“It’s almost like a revision method where you’re stopping & reflecting…letting the information soak in…then going back to your studies with a clearer mind.”
We speak to Year 13 student Dom from Gordano School, Portishead about his experience of a 7 week Meditation Course run at his school.
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Meditation helping students during exam time
Mind Space , 16:20
Which Meditation in Schools workshop did you attend at Gordano School?
A 7 week elective course. The classes ran on a weekly basis during school time.
(alongside studying A Levels students can choose an optional course)
Why did you choose the elective?
I thought it was something I could benefit from & gain a new experience.
What Meditations did you learn during the course?
A few practical techniques I found useful were:
Focusing on the sensation of the breathing – not focusing on distractions.
Focusing on & relaxing parts of the body – the body scan meditation.
Mind relaxing – learning how to clear the mind and calm down.
What did you expect from the course?
Before I thought it was gimmicky (everyone saying we should go and meditate, I thought; how is that going to be helpful?!) but now after the course I would definitely recommend it for everyone.
In actual fact it was very helpful.
I had an image that I would be sitting on a mat on the floor. However we were just sitting in a room quietly on chairs.
The session exceeded my expectations.
Everyone can benefit, I would recommend for everyone especially those with busy lives who are emotionally rundown.
Do you still practice the Meditations?
I still do some of the meditations. One of the great things about meditation you can do it anywhere…in your own time for around 10 minutes sessions a day.
If you’re stressed with life or at stressed with work at school you can practice a little meditation.
How do you think Meditation will help you during your time at school?
The meditations will definitely help me during the period leading up to my final exams, which start next week!
I practiced Meditation before some of my A/S level exams & it helped to slow down pressure that I was under. Obviously will do better in the exam as not panicking so much.
I see it as an overall help. Especially within mental health.
Exams are obviously stressful. We are under so much pressure to remember information. Meditation provides a break where you can stop and then go back to it.
It’s almost like a revision method where you’re stopping & reflecting…letting the information soak in…then going back to your studies with a clearer mind.
Meditation can provide you with a break during the day.
It can also can help to physically relax, as a student you’re out and about all day so we can just sit down and chill for a bit, so it’s definitely beneficial
Meditation helps to improve concentration – it gives you the capability to improve your focus.
The Body Scan Meditation gives you the ability to zone in and focus.
Rather than rushing over many things, Meditation gives you the ability to focus.
What did your friends think about it?
Some joined in with the course. Some friends asked why are you are doing that.
I saw it as a beneficial thing for myself. It has made me to be more relaxed & focused.
The Friends that did join in with me found it beneficial.
Is Meditation something you feel could be part of the weekly curriculum?
Definitely. The more you practice then the better results you gain.
If you practice often then your concentration levels improve. Practicing weekly would definitely help students in the school.
How would you summarize Meditation to a friend?
Basically as a method of mind relaxing.
Do you think you will practice Meditation again?
Definitely, I will be able to maintain my practice now I have learned how to practice correctly.
Meditation is something that can be personalized.
I will implement it in my own way & from time to time will go to that calm place.
Should the school have more sessions?
Yes I don’t think it should just be an elective, it should be offered to all years – the school can definitely benefit.
Especially in Year 11 when the students are under such stress in exams.
It’s not just for students; adults who lead busy lives can definitely benefit.
- Dom is in Year 13 at Gordano School. He has engaged in a 7 week Meditation in Schools Course.
The course was delivered on a weekly basis by Liese Stanley (a Mind Space speaker)
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Find out more information about the Meditation in Schools Project.
A 5 Minute Meditation – ideal for students to begin with
Get involved in the Meditation in Schools Project
5 Minutes to a Calmer Classroom Resource
Subscribe to the Mind Space site to receive more articles like this.
Meditation in Schools Project in the Guardian
Mindfulness in the Schools on national TV
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