Parental Engagement Evening – Wednesday 12 February, 6.30pm in the Drama Studio
As part of our initiative to boost Mental Health and Wellbeing at Sidcot, all Senior Students have weekly sessions in PSHE on a range of topics such as understanding the adolescent brain, how to boost wellbeing, when and where to call for support, etc.. One important way to boost Wellbeing is to look at increasing self-esteem and body confidence, not easy in the age of social media and photo-shopped images. Hence we are very pleased to invite Jess Shire to Sidcot to lead on some workshops with students in the Lower Fourth to Lower Fifth, titled “Positively Me”.
In the evening we are warmly inviting parents and teachers to listen to Jess’ story of breaking the stereotypes of beauty and the importance of building self-esteem in young people. The parental talk will take place at 18.30 in the Drama Studio. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Veronika Chidemo, Assistant Head (Pastoral Care and Wellbeing) and Barley Turner, Quaker,Peace and Global Studies Coordinator
"Growing up, I always remember being different to other people. As a child, I wore a tube feed up my nose because I’m incredibly underweight, and I have always had a wonky chin and teeth. Although, there was nothing medically wrong with me, throughout my childhood I spent a lot of time having investigations and attending hospital appointments to try and gauge why I couldn’t gain weight. Throughout my time at primary and secondary school, because I looked different to others, I was bullied and I didn't have a lot of self confidence. School for me was hard, but outside of school I was a guide which provided me with a wealth of opportunities. Through Girlguiding, my confidence gradually began to grow again and I was fortunate enough to take part in many international camps and conferences including a conference with Dove UK where I could talk about my experiences with body confidence. I also was selected to take part in Girlguiding Anglia's initiative for members aged between 16-25 called 'Action for Change'. Action for change is where members of Girlguiding come together to take part in creating and running their own nine-month social action project. I decided to base mine on body confidence and created both an Instagram and Facebook page focusing on body confidence and what I have experienced. I also decided to put on a fashion show with models from all different backgrounds who wore an item of clothing that they wouldn't normally wear to highlight the need for equal representation within the fashion industry. The show was a huge success and was picked up by local newspapers and radio stations, even BBC news! This led to a whole host of other opportunities where I was then asked to speak at a local school, write a segment in a book and even be a model in a body positive fashion show in New York! It's been an incredible journey so far and the fight is far from over. I can't wait to keep promoting the message of self love and being comfortable in your own skin and encourage as many other people as I can to do the same!"
Jess Shire