The Mexican school prioritising wellbeing to support the development of students, respecting their diversity and needs
Colegio Valle de Filadelfia, Campus Metepec, an independent kindergarten, primary, and secondary school in Metepec, Estado de México, México, is prioritising the comprehensive development of its students by addressing their physical, social, and intellectual needs through its active, inclusive, and personalised educational model. Guided by the principle that children inherently possess potential that must be stimulated if they are to develop and achieve their potential in every area of function, the school has adopted a humanistic approach aimed at developing competencies that support the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of students.
The learning model places wellbeing at its centre, offering diverse and authentic training in essential universal values, healthy coexistence, collaborative work, and resilience, tailored to each student's individual learning level. Physical exercise, core to wellbeing, has been integrated into the curriculum, and students take part in a morning run before starting any classroom activities to support mobility, which directly contributes to better writing and reading skills development. Additional physical education classes, such as gymnastics and aikido, develop strength, agility, and improve respiration, which in turn increases determination and autonomy. Healthy eating is another facet of the model, and students are taught about nutrition and hydration through projects like Philadelphia Little Learners preschool, where students prepare healthy lunches in class and hydration guidelines that are reinforced with all learners at all levels. Mental health is prioritised through the school's Culture of Peace programme, and students are taught to care for and respect their bodies through programmes like My Body is Mine.
Teachers are trained in wellbeing principles that are implemented on a daily basis, and parents participate in the welfare committee, along with various workshops and talks. The ultimate goal of the school is to provide a learning experience for students that empowers them with experiences, knowledge, and interests they can take home and share with their families and the broader community, establishing long-term wellbeing habits.
Since the implementation of the learning model, students have acquired positive attitudes towards exercise, healthy eating, and personal hygiene. They have improved their time and number of laps in the morning race on average by 35%. More than 85% of students follow healthy eating principles, and consistent hydration among students from preschool to high school is a well-established habit.
Through learning that focuses on holistic development, the school has created an environment where students develop intellectually and physically, which translates directly into lifelong wellbeing and health.
