The BrainWaves educational program has positively impacted classrooms over the past two years, offering 24 lessons as part of our wellbeing curriculum.

We have heard, from both student and teacher feedback, the positive impact these lessons have had in the mainstream classroom

But how do you teach mental health when students communicate through movement, sound, and sensation, rather than always using words? Could the success and impact of the BrainWaves curriculum be replicated in a completely different environment?

Donna Tofts, BrainWaves Lead from The Cavendish High Academy, a specialist school for students with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and complex autism, are on a mission to answer that question. 

In June, Donna and her team planned a ‘BrainWaves Week’ for their unique students, which evolved into a trauma-informed, sensory-accessible, and student-led framework. During the week, neurobiology became visual, regulation physical, and emotional learning deeply human. 

According to Donna, this innovative approach yielded significant benefits. It provided a shared, neuroscience-informed language for staff to interpret behavior. Workshops throughout the week helped families reframe behavior and build deeper insight. Staff became more attuned to signs of anxiety and withdrawal, strengthening referrals and safeguarding.

A key success of the week was finding a new kind of student voice, where students without spoken language shared their mental health journeys through symbols and narratives.

BrainWaves at Cavendish demonstrates how powerful it can be when neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and sensory integration truly meet. 

If you want to support BrainWaves in continuing to develop our educational program, why not consider donating using the link at the top of this page?

For further assistance and enquiries related to the BrainWaves lessons and curriculum, please email support@brainwaveshub.org.