Student Life
Wellbeing
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing.
At Guildford Grammar School, we understand that wellbeing and learning are inseparable, reinforcing one another in a symbiotic relationship. Our Wellbeing Framework is grounded in evidence-based research, drawing on three leading models of positive education: The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework, Professor Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing Framework, and Professor Martin Seligman’s PERMAH Model. These models are designed to nurture the whole child, preparing them for success not just during their time at school but throughout their lives.
Guildford Grammar is a Visible Wellbeing School. This approach integrates positive psychology, organisational psychology, and education, equipping our staff and students with a shared language and practical tools to foster wellbeing. The SEARCH framework—Strengths, Emotional Management, Attention and Awareness, Relationships, Coping, and Habits and Goals—is embedded in our programs, ensuring that wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
Wellbeing is a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan. Our approach is strength-based, holistic, and empowering, designed to nurture each student’s mind, body, and spirit. As a key driver of our strategic priorities, wellbeing is interwoven with our broader educational goals, ensuring we cultivate a thriving student body and a flourishing school community.
Across the school, wellbeing is caught, sought and taught.
Preparatory School
In the Preparatory School, student wellbeing is at the core of the educational experience, fostering a community where each child feels safe, supported and valued. Our wellbeing approach promotes positive relationships, resilience and personal growth, equipping students with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Our holistic program builds social and emotional skills through structured, research-based practices such as Zones of Regulation, Friendology (for friendship skills), Protective Behaviours and Positive Behaviour Support. We encourage self-reflection and goal setting, integrate mindfulness practices to support emotional balance, and embed wellbeing within academic learning through the Visible Wellbeing Program.
Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Centre houses a range of expert allied services, including a School Psychologist and Registered Nurse, to support students’ medical, social and emotional needs. The centre also provides space for Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists and tutors, ensuring that students can access additional support when required.
Senior School
Wellbeing in the Senior School is holistic and deeply embedded in daily life, ensuring every student is seen, heard and valued. Whether through academics, sport or co-curricular activities, student wellbeing is at the centre of our approach.
A key feature of our wellbeing program is the Community Period, held once a week, where house activities and collaborative, play-based experiences strengthen peer relationships, build social cohesion and enhance emotional resilience. Core themes covered during this time include self-concept and identity, social responsibility, mental health literacy, positive relationships, careers and emotional regulation.
A Strong Network of Support
One of our School’s greatest strengths lies in the strong relationships between students and teachers. Our pastoral care structures are intentionally designed to ensure that students feel known, valued and supported. The personal connections that staff build with each student are a crucial part of our proactive approach to wellbeing.
Each student in the Senior School belongs to a Mentor Group, fostering a sense of belonging and providing daily guidance. This network of care extends through the pastoral support of Heads of Year (Years 7 and 8) or Heads of House (Years 9–12), as well as our dedicated leadership team, psychologists and medical professionals. Together, these experts provide personalised support, helping students navigate their educational journey with confidence. Additionally, our staff encourage students to build a culture of compassion, respect and inclusivity.
Student Voice and Agency
At Guildford Grammar School, we believe that student voice and agency are essential to a thriving school environment. When students are empowered to express their ideas, take initiative and influence decision-making, they develop confidence, leadership and a strong sense of belonging.
Through initiatives such as student leadership programs and advocacy groups, we create opportunities for students to actively shape their learning environment and contribute meaningfully to the school community. Our wellbeing programs encourage students to reflect on their experiences, set personal goals and take ownership of their growth.
By fostering an environment where student voices are heard and valued, we cultivate a culture of engagement, responsibility and resilience, preparing students to be active contributors and compassionate leaders in the world beyond school.
Wellbeing at Every Stage
Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our structured programs and supportive environment help students build resilience, confidence and strong relationships, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond.
Discover our approach and book a tour.