Launch of Eudaimonia at Colfe’s
We were delighted to welcome eminent philosopher and author Professor A.C. Grayling to Colfe’s for the launch of our new wellbeing programme for all senior students – Eudaimonia (pronounced: eu·dai·mo·nia).
Professor Grayling gave an assembly to all senior pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 on the philosophy of Eudaimonia and the teaching of the activity of wellbeing. Broadly based on the virtue ethics of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, the word Eudaimonia itself is most commonly translated as ‘flourishing’ by practising virtuous behaviour and engaging with what it means to be human. Learning how to develop this skill helps pupils to be happier, more ethical, more fulfilled and engaged in cultivating their own wellbeing and that of others. In essence, Eudaimonia is a practical response to Socrates’ great question “How, then, should we live?”
Emerald Henderson, Head of Eudaimonia at Colfe’s said “It was a privilege to welcome Professor A.C. Grayling to launch Eudaimonia at Colfe’s. He is the perfect person to ignite the pupil’s interest in the project and encourage them to take an active role in their wellbeing. The clarity with which he unpacked the concept of Eudaimonia was quite remarkable; practical wisdom coupled with virtuous activity seemed to be the ideal recipe for flourishing.”
The six strands of the Eudaimonia project encompass:
- Care of the Mind
- Mindfulness, Spirituality and Meaning
- Care of our Place in the World
- Care of the Body
- Sex and Relationships
- Resilience and Leadership
Pupils in Year 10 and Year 11 will benefit from one lesson per week of Eudaimonia. Pupils in Year 7 will have one lesson per fortnight. These lessons will cover the topics mentioned above. Year 8 and Year 9 will have two full days of Eudaimonia over the year. The Sixth Form will also be investigating the idea in their PSHEE sessions.