Why is Merge Intentions different to other Wellbeing providers?

There are many of very successful and reputable providers of Wellbeing education, some rather famous and some quite expensive. Merge Intentions operate differently to others as I focus on teaching wellbeing in context, within core curriculum, by every teacher in every classroom. Merge Intentions is all about effective wellbeing education in context, so that it is a shared responsibility. Furthermore I have a foot firmly in a school setting. I know the obstacles to change and the difficulty in implementing professional learning into practice. This makes Merge Intentions realistic and achievable in its recommendations and plans.

Why can't curriculum and wellbeing be separate?

As teachers, we all know students have to be ready to learn if they are going to be successful. In my experience, schools have pastoral staff and then staff who believe their core business is teaching and learning. This means that the wellbeing needs of students are passed on to those who have the perceived responsibility and aren't shared by all staff. This creates obstacles. Additionally, I've found that whilst explicitly teaching wellbeing skills and content in isolation can be lovely and the time and money dedicated to this area by schools is admirable, students can talk the talk - but can they apply these skills when they really need them in various learning areas and settings? Merge Intentions help you teach wellbeing alongside your curriculum so that every teacher is a wellbeing teacher and that students can learn to use the skills in a meaningful way.

What am I signing up for with Merge Intentions?

Merge Intentions offer Professional Learning Partnerships that are tailored to meet your needs. When you sign up, you are given a link with a survey so that important information can be captured and a workshop that meets your needs can be created. After the workshop, we plan a check-in, (or more than one if you like) so that you are provided with support, assistance and accountability when making changes to your practice. This is where the value lies.

Will my workshop be the same as the one provided to others?

No - Merge Intentions tailor the workshops to suit your context, as everyone's needs are slightly (or a lot..) different. This makes the Merge Intentions approach unique. If there is a specific request, there is space for you to make this. Don't worry, you don't have to tell me what you need, you just have to tell me about what you're doing, about some of your classes etc. This is done via a short survey once you sign up and we go from there.

Do you work with staff on a school wide level?

No - Merge Intentions work with individual teachers and small teams to help implement change to teacher practice in the classroom. Whilst a school wide approach is important for achieving cultural change, there are many providers who work with schools on a large scale and Merge Intentions can send you in that direction if you need.