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Solihull Girls ‘Miss Understood’!

Solihull Girls ‘Miss Understood’!

A group of Solihull students have taken part in a six-week course designed to boost their self-esteem and confidence called ‘Miss Understood’, ending with a Pamper Graduation Day to highlight their natural beauty.

The ‘Miss Understood’ course run by local Solihull model Josie Soden, and Laura Wadley, Youth and Community Coordinator, Grace Academy Solihull, addressed topics including developing a healthy body image, friendships, handling emotions, dating and aspirations.

The girls from Year Eight and Year Nine who took part in ‘Miss Understood’ scored an average 6 points higher on the Rosenberg self-esteem quiz after the course compared to when they started, and Mrs Soden, a commercial model for TV and online promotions, said:

“Young people often compare themselves to the celebrities they see in magazines but this gives them a false impression because photos can be manipulated to make the celebrities look flawless.

“The idea behind the course is to encourage the students to focus on building their self-esteem from within, and to develop a healthy sense of well-being which is not driven by their external appearance.”

Speaking about her experience of the course, student Jasmine Bent said:

“This course has given me a lot of self-confidence and made me and my friends close and more excited to come to school.”

Student Freya Stanton-Lees said:

“This course made me feel precious and beautiful.”

Sarah Bartlett, Ethos Support Consultant, Grace Academy, who developed the course to help build the character and confidence of students, said:

“Research has shown that six out of ten girls avoid activities in school because they feel bad about their looks, such as avoiding answering a question in class, and this course can make a real difference to the confidence levels of students, as well as their academic achievement.

“At the end of the day, if young people feel better about themselves, they will do better – in life, academically and in their future relationships. ‘Miss Understood’ is a key part of Grace Academy’s ‘Building Healthy Relationships’ programme.

“I think this club is so important for young girls today who can struggle with a sense of their identity and self-worth –especially in this digital world where they spend so much time.

“Every teenage girl wants to fit in and feel accepted, but 90% of girls think that TV and magazines focus too much on what women look like instead of what they achieve. Girls need to know how special, precious and unique they are so that they can avoid looking for approval and affirmation in unhealthy ways and resist peer pressure.”

The ‘Miss Understood’ club has been run by Grace Academy Solihull for five years and uses the strapline: “Real Me – Real Beauty – Real Friends.” The course boosts the confidence of students who are then more able to take a positive approach to their studies and share what they have learned with their peers.

Emily Pinches added:

“I now am able to share my opinions and ideas in public without being embarrassed.”