22/05/2025
School’s Out for Summer
A bit early I realise but today marked my final class this academic year at one of the secondary schools I work with. We don’t usually run yoga sessions through the summer term, as exam season takes over every available hall with rows of desks.
I’ve been delivering yoga here for a couple of years, supporting students—mostly Year 7s—as they transition from primary to secondary school. The focus is on those who struggle with class, friendships, and the general upheaval of moving schools.
This year’s group has been particularly challenging—or perhaps more accurately, particularly challenged. It’s not surprising when you consider these students are among the first to enter secondary school after experiencing the most prolonged disruptions due to COVID. Their learning was affected, of course, but what seems even more significant is the impact on their social development.
Teachers everywhere are noticing it: these students find learning harder, not because they lack ability, but because they carry a weight of anxiety and uncertainty. Like many educators, I’ve found myself stretched, trying to make yoga a tool not only for physical well-being but for resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Usually, by week five of a ten-week program, students begin to connect with the practice in their own way. This year, that shift came much later. But as I said goodbye today, I’m relieved—and proud—to say they finally got there.
It’s been a pleasure (eventually!) to share yoga with them. Though it’s been frustrating at times, they’ve finished the term with more than they started with: tools they can draw on when they're worried, anxious, scared, upset, nervous, or overwhelmed—tools that can help them become more focused, brave, grateful, and grounded.
We used mantra, hand mudras, breathing techniques, and yoga postures. And as they left today, each one carried a pebble in their pocket—a small reminder of their strength and just how awesome they are.
