Year 10 Embarks on Essential Mental Health Journey at TEMA ( Published: 12/01/2026)

Year 10 students at The East Manchester Academy began a vital new chapter in their Personal Development (PD) curriculum.

Over the next six weeks, the year group will be working together to explore the complexities of mental health, building a ‘toolkit’ of knowledge and strategies to support themselves and one another.

A Shared Commitment to Wellbeing

The new unit is designed to move beyond basic awareness, encouraging students to engage in open, honest discussions about the challenges young people face today. By learning together as a cohort, TEMA aims to break down the stigma often associated with mental health struggles and foster a culture of empathy and support across the school community.

What the Next 6 Weeks Will Cover

The curriculum is comprehensive, tackling both daily stresses and more serious concerns:

Understanding Mental Health: defining what mental health is and recognising that it exists on a spectrum for everyone
The Science of Stress: learning how the body reacts to pressure and how to identify ‘good’ stress versus ‘overwhelming’ stress
Coping Mechanisms: exploring healthy ways to manage difficult emotions, from mindfulness and physical activity to creative outlets
Social Media & The Digital World: critically analysing the impact of ‘scroll culture’, filters, and online comparisons on self-esteem
Breaking the Silence: in the final weeks, students will cover the sensitive but essential topics of suicidal thoughts and severe distress. These lessons focus on how to spot warning signs and—most importantly—how to access professional help

Supporting Our Students

Year 10 is a pivotal time as students begin to balance increasing academic demands with the social pressures of mid-adolescence. By addressing these topics head-on, TEMA is ensuring that students are prepared for the journey ahead.

Our goal is to ensure no student feels they have to struggle in silence. By bringing these topics into the classroom, we are giving students the language they need to ask for help and the skills to be a supportive friend when it matters most.
Miss Lonsdale, Assistant Headteacher, Personal Development

The Academy encourages parents and carers to engage with their children about these lessons over the coming weeks. For families who wish to learn more, resources and support links are available below, or you can contact our pastoral team directly.

Support Resources for Students and Families

Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (Free, 24/7 crisis support)
Childline: Call 0800 1111
YoungMinds: Visit youngminds.org.uk for parent and student guides
Kooth: Anonymous online wellbeing support at kooth.com