At Durham School, we have been exploring the concept of S.M.A.R.T goals with our students during 'Wellness Wednesday', helping them understand how clear and achievable goals can guide them in making positive changes and improving their overall wellbeing. S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach encourages students to move beyond vague ambitions like "I want to get better at maths" and instead create focused, trackable goals, such as "I will improve my maths test score by 10% in the next six weeks." By defining their goals in this way, students gain clarity on what they are aiming for and how to monitor their progress.

S.M.A.R.T goals are valuable because they keep students motivated and organised. When a goal is too general, it can be easy to lose focus or feel overwhelmed. By breaking a goal into smaller, manageable steps, students can notice their progress and celebrate achievements along the way. For instance, if a student wants to improve their fitness for sports, they could plan to run twice a week for 20 minutes, gradually increasing the duration. This step-by-step approach helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Beyond academics and sports, S.M.A.R.T goals are a powerful tool for life planning. They help students take control of personal ambitions, whether saving money, learning a new skill, or preparing for future career paths. By setting realistic, time-bound objectives, students learn how to tackle larger challenges systematically, turning big dreams into achievable steps. The skills they develop through this process, organisation, reflection, and perseverance, benefit them across all aspects of life. 

We encourage students to take what they have learned about S.M.A.R.T goals and apply it personally. A simple exercise is to write down one S.M.A.R.T goal related to school or personal life, ensuring it meets all five criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a student might write, "I will complete all my science homework on the day it is set for the next month." By practising this regularly, students develop habits that promote success, wellbeing, and a proactive approach to challenges.