On 25 September, the whole ELIS Villamartín community took part in the eighth edition of Global Be Well Day, Cognita’s international initiative celebrating and promoting the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of its school communities. Under this year’s theme, “In Motion, We Thrive”, the day placed physical activity at the heart of the programme, while highlighting the important connection between movement, healthy eating, positive relationships and overall wellbeing.

Across the school, students took part in a wide range of sports activities, outdoor challenges, workshops and wellbeing experiences, with activities adapted to different age groups. From outdoor sports sessions led by the PE Department in Secondary to a large team-based gymkhana for KS2 and movement activities for KS1, the day encouraged students to be active, work together and enjoy the benefits of moving with others.

This year, the school also explored the connection between physical activity and healthy eating. Students in KS1 and KS2 took part in workshops led by Freshvana, our specialist supplier of organic fruit and vegetables, combining games and dynamic activities with learning about the importance of a balanced diet and the role it plays in our physical and emotional wellbeing. This provided a practical way of connecting two of the key foundations of Cognita’s wellbeing approach.

Student leadership was also at the heart of the day. Year 11 students supported activities with younger pupils, helping to lead movement games for KS1, while our extracurricular activities monitors worked alongside Primary students. Meanwhile, our 6th Form students led a live GBWD podcast, interviewing members of the Freshvana team, the GBWD Dancers and teachers throughout the day. Their work as student reporters also captured the different activities and experiences taking place across the school, demonstrating their initiative, commitment and communication skills.

The day once again culminated in our much-loved GBWD Dance, with the whole school coming together to move, dance and celebrate. This year, the activity had an even stronger focus on student leadership: our GBWD Dancers team created the choreography, prepared a practice video and rehearsed independently throughout September, taking responsibility for leading the wider school community. The celebration also included a special cheerleading performance by our former student Bella and a group of students.

Global Be Well Day is part of Cognita’s wider wellbeing programme and its Be Well Charter, which is based on six pillars: sleeping well, eating healthily, staying active, connecting with others, doing things that bring us joy and contributing to the wellbeing of others. The event brings together more than 100,000 students and 22,000 colleagues across Cognita’s schools and offices in 21 countries, making it a truly international celebration of wellbeing and healthy habits.

At ELIS Villamartín, the day provided another opportunity for our students to put these principles into practice while developing leadership, teamwork, communication and a sense of responsibility towards their own wellbeing and that of others.

We would like to extend our special thanks to Freshvana, our extracurricular activities monitors, our families and everyone who contributed their time, energy and expertise to making the day possible, as well as to our students and staff for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the celebration.

In Motion, We Thrive! 💚