The world our children are preparing to enter is one of rapid change, complex challenges, and incredible diversity. To thrive in this environment, academic knowledge alone is not enough. At La Fontana International Schools, we believe the purpose of education is to nurture the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. This is why Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is not an add-on programme, but a golden thread woven into the very fabric of our school culture, our curriculum, and our Safeguarding and Child Protection ethos.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?
SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. It is the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and well-being.

The Five Pillars of SEL in Action at La Fontana

1. Self-Awareness: This is the ability to recognise one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviour. In our classrooms, this is nurtured through activities like reflective journaling, mindfulness exercises, and discussions that help students identify their strengths, limitations, and emotional triggers. A student who can say, “I’m feeling anxious about this presentation,” is better equipped to manage that anxiety than one who is simply overwhelmed by it.
2. Self-Management: Building on self-awareness, this is the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations. We teach students strategies for stress management, impulse control, and self-discipline. This might look like taking “brain breaks,” using calming techniques before a test, or setting personal academic goals and tracking their progress.
3. Social Awareness: This pillar focuses on the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathise with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Through literature, history, service-learning projects, and open discussions about current events, we help students step into others’ shoes. This fosters a culture of inclusivity, respect, and compassion, which is central to our Anti-Bullying Policy.
4. Relationship Skills: Learning to establish and maintain healthy, rewarding relationships is a vital life skill. SEL provides students with the tools for clear communication, active listening, cooperation, and constructive conflict resolution. You will see this in action during group projects, peer-mentoring programmes, and classroom meetings where students are encouraged to share their ideas and listen respectfully to others.
5. Responsible Decision-Making: This involves learning to make caring and constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions across diverse situations. We engage students in evaluating the consequences of their actions, considering the well-being of themselves and others, and solving ethical dilemmas. This skill is critical for both personal integrity and effective citizenship.

By integrating SEL into everything we do, we are doing more than preparing students for exams; we are preparing them for life. We are nurturing future leaders, collaborators, innovators, and compassionate citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also self-aware, resilient, and deeply connected to the world around them. This is the heart of a La Fontana education.