Skip to content
Change Language
Search

    • Student Support

    At UTC, we care about your wellbeing both in school and at home. This page is here to give you guidance, tips and useful links to help you thrive in your day-to-day life. 

    Looking After Your Wellbeing 

    Feeling healthy, safe and supported helps you succeed both in school and at home. Your wellbeing is just as important as your grades. Whether it’s your mental health, physical health or social life, there are always people and services ready to support you. Reach out, stay connected and take care of yourself, you are never alone. 

    Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing 

    • Talk to someone: If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or low, reach out to a teacher, mentor, or trusted adult. 

    • Mindfulness and relaxation: Breathing exercises, journaling, or short breaks can help you manage stress. 

    • Positive mindset: Focus on what you can control and celebrate small achievements. 

    • Support services: 

    If you are feeling emotional or concerned about your mental health and need to talk to someone, you can contact the following agencies for mental health support. 

    Young Minds SHOUT text service, text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 support 

     

    Kooth 

    On line Counselling for 11-18 year olds. Self help tools, Live chat and on 

    line counsellors. 08082 810 155 or 01752 691511 www.kooth.com 

     

    Childline 

    A private and confidential service for children up to the age of 19. You 

    can talk to a counsellor for free about anything, no problem too big or too 

    small. 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk or email 

    www.childline.org.uk/Talk/Page/Email.aspx 

     

    Samaritans 

    Provides confidential, non judgemental emotional support for people who are 

    experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could 

    lead to suicide. 116 123 lines open 24 hours a day. www.samaritans.org 

     

    The school safeguarding team can be reached on safeguardingteam@utcplymouth.org and this email will also be checked during the holidays worked. We also have a digital worrybox which will connect you to a member of the safeguarding team if something is on your mind worrybox@utcplymouth.org  

     

    If you are already accessing mental health services then contact your care co-ordinator or out of hours/crisis team after hours and let them know what's going on. 

     

    If you are not accessing mental health services see your GP as soon as possible to discuss circumstances and mental health needs or call NHS 111 service to get the most appropriate out of hours support. 

     

    If you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm call 999 for a police response. 

     

    Physical Wellbeing 

    Make a poster 

    • Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day—it boosts energy and mood. 

    • Eat well: Balanced meals with fruit, vegetables, and water help you stay focused. 

    • Sleep: Try to get 8–10 hours of sleep each night to recharge your body and mind. 

    Social Wellbeing 

    Make a poster 

    • Friendships: Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you. 

    • Respect and kindness: Treat others the way you’d like to be treated, both online and offline. 

    • Clubs and activities: Join extracurricular opportunities to meet new people and build confidence. 

    Online & Digital Wellbeing 

    Make an infographic 

    • Limit screen time: Take regular breaks from devices to protect your eyes and mind. 

    • Think before you post: Protect your privacy and be mindful of what you share. 

    • Useful resource: Thinkuknow – guidance on staying safe online. 

    Everyday Life Tips 

    • Organisation: Use a planner or app to keep track of homework and deadlines. 

    • Balance: Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and family alongside schoolwork. 

    • Resilience: Remember that setbacks are part of learning—don’t be afraid to try again. 

    Useful Helplines & Websites 

    • Childline: 0800 1111 – free, confidential support for young people. 

    • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 – advice if you’re worried about safety. 

    • Kooth: kooth.com  – free online counselling and wellbeing support. 

    • Anna Freud Centre: annafreud.org  – resources for mental health and wellbeing. 

     

    ___________________________ 

    Academic Support  

    We want every student to feel confident and supported in their learning journey. Academic success is about more than just grades, it’s about building skills, resilience and a love of learning. This page provides guidance, tips and resources to help you thrive. 

    Study Skills & Organisation 

    Make an infographic 

    • Use a planner: Keep track of homework, deadlines, and exams. 

    • Break tasks into chunks: Short, focused study sessions are more effective than cramming. 

    • Set goals: Create achievable targets for each subject. 

    • Find your best environment: Study in a quiet, distraction-free space. 

    Homework & Revision Tips 

    Sparx Reader 

    Bedrock 

    Seneca 

    Sparx Science 

    Sparx Maths 

    Lexia  

    Support in School 

    • Teachers and Mentors: Always ask if you’re unsure, teachers are here to help. [Add link to the meet the team page for all contact details] 

    • Learning Support: Our SENCO team provides tailored support for students with additional needs. Add contact?  

    • Peer Support: Study groups can make learning more engaging and collaborative. 

    Add infographic: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzyTxUoHc/mlEHkx0NyRJGzkRhWMSwxg/edit?utm_content=DAGzyTxUoHc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 

    Useful Resources 

    Everyday Academic Tips 

    Make infographic 

    • Stay curious: Ask questions and explore topics beyond the classroom. 

    • Manage stress: Balance study with relaxation and hobbies. 

    • Celebrate progress: Recognise small wins along the way. 

    _________________________________ 

     

    Staying Safe Online 

     

    E-Safety

     

    _______________________________________ 

    Everyday Life Tips for Students 

    Life as a secondary school student can be busy and full of challenges but with the right habits and mindset, you can make the most of every day. Here are some practical tips to help you at school and at home. Everyday life is about balance. By managing your money, time, friendships and resilience, you’ll be better prepared to handle challenges and enjoy your journey through school and beyond. 

    Budgeting Pocket Money 

    Add infographic 

    Learning how to manage money is an important skill. Saving a little each week builds independence and helps you plan for things you want in the future. Even small amounts add up over time.  

    Tips: 

    • Keep a savings jar or open a student savings account. 

    • Set goals for what you want to buy and save towards them. 

    • Avoid spending all your money at once—think about what’s most important. 

    Time Management 

    Balancing homework, clubs, and downtime can be tricky. Good time management helps you stay on top of schoolwork while still enjoying your free time. 

    Tips: 

    • Use a planner or calendar to track deadlines and activities.[add link to the mentor time page] 

    • Break tasks into smaller steps to make them manageable. 

    • Prioritise important work first, then reward yourself with downtime. 

    Friendships 

    The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your wellbeing. Surround yourself with positive friends who support and encourage you. 

    Make infographic 

    Tips: 

    • Choose friends who make you feel good about yourself. 

    • Be kind and respectful, it helps build strong relationships. 

    • Don’t be afraid to walk away from negative influences. 

    Resilience 

    Setbacks are a normal part of life and learning. Building resilience means bouncing back when things don’t go as planned. 

    Tips: 

    • See mistakes as opportunities to learn. 

    • Stay positive and remind yourself that challenges help you grow. 

    • Don’t give up—keep trying and ask for help if you need it. 

     

    _____________ 

     

    Bullying 

    Student Anti‑Bullying Advice Guide 

    UTC Plymouth – Be Kind. Be Safe. Be Heard. 

    At UTC Plymouth, everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and included. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do. 

    What Counts as Bullying? 

    Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts, threatens or upsets another person. It can include: 

    • Physical harm (hitting, pushing, damaging property) 

    • Verbal abuse (name‑calling, insults, prejudiced language) 

    • Emotional harm (leaving people out, spreading rumours) 

    • Cyberbullying (hurtful messages, posts, images online) 

    • Targeting differences (race, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, background, etc.) 

    Remember:  If it happens more than once or causes someone distress, it matters. “Banter” is bullying if someone is hurt or uncomfortable. 

     

    What You Should Do if You’re Being Bullied 

    • Tell someone you trust – a teacher, mentor, pastoral lead or any staff member. 

    • Speak up early – you don’t have to wait for it to happen again. 

    • Keep evidence of online messages or posts. 

    • You are NOT to blame. Bullying is never your fault. 

    What to Do if You See Bullying 

    Being a bystander who stays silent can make things worse. Instead: 

    • Don’t join in. 

    • Check in with the person being bullied if it’s safe to do so. 

    • Report it to any staff member – even if you're not sure it’s “serious enough.” 

    • Be kind. A small act of support can make a big difference. 

    Staying Safe Online 

    • Think before you post or share. 

    • Don’t forward hurtful messages or images. 

    • Report harmful content to an adult. 

    • Keep your accounts and personal information private. 

    • Remember: the school is a mobile‑free zone during the day. 

    Everyone Has a Role 

    Students 

    • Treat others with kindness. 

    • Respect differences. 

    • Speak up when something feels wrong. 

    Staff 

    • Listen, support and act quickly to keep you safe. 

    Parents & Carers 

    • Work with the school and help you understand healthy friendships. 

    We Are Here to Help 

    If you’re worried about yourself or someone else: 

    • Talk to your mentor, Pastoral Lead, Safeguarding Team, or any trusted adult. 

    • Use the school’s reporting routes if you need support. 

    👉 Bullying must never be kept a secret. We’re here to make sure you feel safe, supported and heard. 

     

    Cookie Policy