UCL Research Project at SRS

This year, The Sydney Russell School is taking part in a new research project led by UCL, exploring the links between social media use and mental health outcomes among young people.

Alex and Evie from UCL visited the school to deliver research sessions to some of our Year 8, Year 9 and Year 12 students.

The year-long study involves groups of young people completing a series of virtual activities and surveys. As part of the research, students watched short YouTube videos through a UCL platform that has been carefully curated to display age-appropriate and positive content.

After completing the activity, students were invited to answer a short set of survey questions commonly used in research with young people of their age. The findings from the study will contribute to a better understanding of how social media use may influence young people's wellbeing and mental health.

We are delighted to be supporting this important research and look forward to continuing our involvement throughout the year.

 

Chain Reaction - Girls supporting Girls - All day workshop for 25 Year 9 girls- Friday 9th October 2026

 Next week Chain Reaction will be coming in to deliver their Girls Support Girls workshop to 25 year 9 girls.  It is a theatre-based programme for up to 25 vulnerable young women aged 13–16 (Years 9–11). The programme aims to build confidence, self-esteem, resilience and knowledge, helping participants make positive choices and reach their full potential.

GSG supports girls who may be experiencing low confidence or mental health challenges, disengagement from education, poor attendance, social isolation, safeguarding concerns, harmful relationships, exploitation, grooming, radicalisation, gangs, substance misuse or anti-social behaviour.

 

World Mental Health Day – Saturday 10 October 2026

This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlights the importance of listening to and valuing people’s lived experiences. At our school, we recognise the importance of student voice and are committed to listening to our students, understanding their experiences and responding to their individual needs to support their mental health, wellbeing and success

 

BDWISE Boys Focus Group-Wednesday 14th October 2026

BDWISE will be holding a focus group with up to 10 boys from across all year groups.

The session will provide an opportunity for boys to share their views, experiences and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. The aim is to identify common themes and challenges affecting boys and explore practical ways to better support their needs and wellbeing.

 

Year 7 Transition Focus Groups will be holding a Bake Sale in aid of Children in Need. 

Students from the Year 7 Transition Focus Group will be developing their confidence, collaboration and communication skills through selling the baked goods at break time on 20th November, taking and handling donations and promoting this fantastic cause. The theme this year is "Challenge yourself to 25"

Examples of “Challenge Yourself to 25” Activities

  • Walk, run, or cycle 25 km during appeal week.
  • Complete 25 acts of kindness.
  • Read 25 pages of a book.
  • Host a 25‑minute quiz, dance‑a‑thon, or bake‑off.
  • Create 25 handmade items to sell for donations.

  • Organise a £25 fundraising target challenge in your school or workplace.

 

We are therefore hoping to challenge ourselves to source 25 different types of baked goods to sell (i.e. cupcakes, cream cakes, sausage rolls, and so on...) - So get creative!