PLK Yao Ling Sun College

PLK Yao Ling Sun College

The benefits of practicing mindfulness are widely researched in different settings. Our school is lucky to be part of the Jockey Club “Peace and Awareness” Mindfulness Culture in Schools Initiative coordinated by HKU. Strengthening students’ concentration and resilience through learning and practicing mindfulness are the 2 main goals we hope to achieve through the 3-year school-wide mindfulness programme. Students, parents and teachers would not only participate in structured taught programs designed by experienced mindfulness trainers from the UK for .b mindfulness course, but also different forms of mindfulness activities. The details of the programme are as follows.

To increase students’ exposure to the mindfulness culture, students from all forms would learn the basics of mindfulness by a series of introductory seminars at the beginning of the school year. Moreover, regular informal practices led by school mindfulness teachers would take place before form-based assemblies and examinations in the school hall. For structured training, more than 400 Form 3 and 6 students have completed the 10-session .b course.

We are glad to hear from students that mindfulness practices have helped them stay more focused and calm while at school and in public examinations. Some students even had downloaded mindfulness mobile apps to continue practicing mindfulness in their own time. They also reported that they had slept better and performed more calmly in stressful situations, such as competitions and interviews. A PE teacher shared that some members requested for a moment to practice mindfulness before an inter-school game to soothe their anxious feelings and boost their performances. We believe that a seedling of mindfulness culture has grown steadily in school and, more importantly, daily lives of our students.

Mindfulness can be presented in different forms. Last year, experiential workshops on mindfulness arts and sports programmes were arranged in Forms 1, 2, 4 and 5. Students had a chance to experience Zentangle, Pastel Nagomi Art, Mandala drawing and mindful shooting. Furthermore, mindfulness teachers joined F.1 students for lunch regularly to demonstrate the importance of mindful eating. They also led students to walk mindfully after meals. Within and beyond the classroom, we had shown our students how to integrate mindfulness into daily routines.

To create a better environment for mindfulness practices, school facilities had also been upgraded. A greenery garden and pathway were set up in the backyard for students and teachers to enjoy a mindful walk during lunch break and recesses. A new mindfulness room will be ready for the whole school and community by next year. With extra resources given by the Jockey Club, we wish to benefit not only our students and parents, but also our neighbourhood.

To sum up, a strong belief that mindfulness is like morning dew, quietly nurtures the well-being of people we care supports all our hard work. By embracing mindfulness culture, we will grow with more wisdom and clarity in making our choices later in life.

(The above information is provided by the school.)