Yesterday students participated in the first of three wellbeing workshops being held in the Renaissance Centre this term. Each session is designed to inspire students in the areas of resilience, self-awareness and informed decision-making.
Led by Glen Gerreyn from the HopeFULL Institute, yesterday’s workshop encouraged Year 9 to 12 girls to explore themes of hope, resilience and goal-setting. Glen challenged students to recognise the seeds of greatness already inside them, encouraging them to nurture these with intention and purpose. He shared powerful strategies for turning aspirations into reality, including creating a vision board and making daily commitments to their mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Through small, consistent actions, students can shape the future they truly desire. They were also reminded to stop comparing themselves to other people; that their talents are enough, and to harness them.
The workshop left students feeling uplifted, motivated, and full of hope for the possibilities ahead. It was a reminder that achieving big dreams starts with belief, action, and the courage to step into their full potential.
“The workshop today was very motivating and I think our whole year group felt more driven after listening to his lectures. Glen was very engaging and had us hanging onto his every word. There were so many inspiring quotes and stories as well as actions for us to take to achieve success, and I believe everyone will take some of these strategies and thoughts home with them.” — Alina G., Year 10.
“Today was really inspirational. Glen talked about our goals, mindset, strengths/talents and future. There were so many things that called out to me and have stuck with me, and really made me feel heard and hopeful for the future. I really loved his approach on speaking and i think programs like this really help anyone with mental health and wellbeing and mindset. It was something I’d most definitely like to do again more often.”— Issy L. Y10.
“I found Glen’s session today moving and inspirational, and his story was quite remarkable. I learned a lot about personal growth today, and pursuit of passion regardless of hurdles and setbacks. I also found Glen’s concept of an ‘everyday win’ quite inspirational, making small steps each day that can help to improve overall well being and mindset. Glen’s story in itself was incredibly inspirational, and taught me of the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise. Moving forward after today, I am overall more determined to focus on my strengths, and will continue into my senior years of high school with a more hopeful and less negative attitude. The session reminded me that l can achieve my goals if I put my passion and work into it.” — Luella, Year 11.
“From the beginning, it was clear that Glen knew what he was doing. He kept me alert and interested throughout all three hours of his speech and left me motivated to set more goals for myself and take on them as soon as I get the opportunity to, rather than procrastinating. This is also a bad habit of mine and presumably one of many people my age, but Glen inspired me to actively work on eliminating this.
“Not only did his speech give me drive, it also helped me get more in touch with my passions, one of them being music. It made me more confident that I can do what I want to do in life, while also becoming successful in it; if i just maintain the right mindset of courage, hope and commitment.” — Lottie H., Year 9.
Upcoming Workshops
The Man Cave (27 February)
A full-day workshop for Year 9 boys, The Man Cave follows the Rites of Passage framework. It provides a safe space for discussions on masculinity, emotional intelligence and personal development. Through interactive activities, students challenge outdated societal expectations and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Men of Honour (4 March)
Also led by Glen Gerreyn, this seminar guides boys in Years 8 to 12 through conversations about masculinity, choices and relationships. Addressing topics like media influence, male identity and respectful relationships, Men of Honour empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures.
Special thanks to Gareth Douse Humanities Teacher for organising these workshops for our students. Through these workshops, IGS continues to support students in their personal growth and wellbeing, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond.