Oxford University Press India, in collaboration with content partner Rangeet, has introduced a wellness curriculum, marking a pioneering initiative in India. This curriculum, named ‘My Happiness and Me,’ comprises eight activity workbooks tailored for students in grades 1st-8th. Its primary objectives include fostering an understanding of emotions, promoting physical activity, cultivating healthy interpersonal relationships, and instilling an appreciation for ecological care among school-going children, according to an official release.

With a focus on addressing mental, emotional and physical well-being, the curriculum fills a significant void that traditional education alone may not adequately cover. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, which emphasise holistic learner development, the wellness curriculum aims to support the overarching vision for comprehensive education, the release mentioned.

“The series ‘My Happiness and Me’ offers learners a toolkit to navigate their emotions and relationships successfully. This approach, validated by the Oxford Impact Study, not only enhances well-being but also leads to improved educational outcomes in core disciplines,” Sumanta Datta, managing director, Oxford University Press India, said.

In line with the sustainable development goal three (good health and well-being), the curriculum aims to empower learners to adopt healthy practices, discern positive and negative emotions and provide them with effective tools for addressing these emotions. The Oxford Impact Study underscores the positive impact of integrating wellness education into schools, revealing heightened learner engagement, reduced dropout rates and increased levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem, the release noted.

Developed in collaboration with Rangeet, the curriculum incorporates Rangeet’s proprietary Social Emotional and Ecological Knowledge (SEEK) curriculum. Utilising active play-based pedagogies, SEEK facilitates children’s connection with themselves, their communities and ecological systems. The result is a comprehensive approach that develops a range of skills, promotes well-being, instills agency and fosters a sense of global stewardship among students.