Bursar’s Review Spring 2022 Sampler

Spring 2022 www.theisba.org.uk 8 News Children who eat more fruit and veg have better mental health Children who eat a better diet, packed with fruit and vegetables, have better mental wellbeing – according to recent research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The new study, led by UEA Health and Social Care Partners in collaboration with Norfolk County Council, was the first to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intakes, breakfast and lunch choices, and mental wellbeing in UK school children. It shows how eating more fruit and vegetables is linked with better wellbeing among secondary school pupils in particular. And children who consumed five or more portions of fruit and veg a day had the highest scores for mental wellbeing. The research team say that public health strategies and school policies should be developed to ensure that good quality nutrition is available to all children before and during school to optimise mental wellbeing and empower children to fulfil their full potential. Lead researcher Professor Ailsa Welch, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “There is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in early life – not least because adolescent mental health problems often persist into adulthood, leading to poorer life outcomes and achievement. “While the links between nutrition and physical health are well understood, until now, not much has been known about whether nutrition plays a part in children’s emotional wellbeing. So, we set out to investigate the association between dietary choices and mental wellbeing among schoolchildren”. Professor Welch said: “We found that only around a quarter of secondary-school children and 28 percent of primary-school children reported eating the recommended five-a-day fruits and vegetables. And just under one in 10 children were not eating any fruits or vegetables”. Dr Richard Hayhoe, also from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “We found that eating well was associated with better mental wellbeing in children. And that among secondary school children in particular, there was a really strong link between eating a nutritious diet, packed with fruit and vegetables, and having better mental wellbeing”. Professor Welch said: “Public health strategies and school policies should be developed to ensure that good quality nutrition is available to all children in order to optimise mental wellbeing and empower them to fulfil their full potential”. Wychwood, Oxford, launches introduction to women’s Rugby 7’s Wychwood School, Oxford, has introduced Rugby 7’s to its pupils for the first time at a festival hosted at Oxford Harlequins RFC. The all-girls school opened the event to state schools and the public to encourage young girls to take up the sport and were overwhelmed by the response. More than 100 girls aged between 10 and 13 took part and more than half of participants were from state schools. The girls learned the basic skills of the game, culminating in an exhibition games and prize-giving. Fran Centamore, director of sport at Wychwood, said: “It was uplifting to see so many girls from so many schools try out a new sport”. Simon Tyrrell, director of Wychwood School, said: “This festival is an excellent example of what can be achieved when clubs, independent and state schools work together in partnership for the benefit of the community”. 2022 International School Awards The International School Awards 2022 took place virtually in January. More than 260 schools from 48 countries received nominations. The International School of the Year Award 2022 was presented to the International School of Zug and Luzern, Switzerland. The Awards were hosted by ISC Research for the fourth year in a row and they recognise outstanding initiatives being delivered in English-medium international schools around the world. The award categories include community wellbeing, innovation and creativity in learning, digital technology in learning, DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion and justice), and pathways to continued and university education. An independent judging panel of 12 international education experts selected the winners. You can view a recording of the awards ceremony and learn more about the award-winning initiatives here: https://iscresearch.com/international-school-awards/ Eat well to feel well More than 100 girls enjoyed Rugby 7’s at Oxford Harlequins RFC