Identify what the presenting issues for the young adult might be and how the issues might impact upon their social emotional and mental health (SEMH)
Assignment Brief
Summative Assessment 2 (60%)
Please write a 3000-word report with an intervention plan. Your report will need to contain the following information (3000 words)
Choose 1 case study then choose
Essay 1
- You are a Student teacher on placement and are working with young people in the 16 – 18 age group. You have been asked to plan a team building trip away from the school. (please see the case study information)
- Please write a 3000-word report with an intervention plan. Your report will need to contain the following information
- Reviewing the case studies provided, write a report for an excursion plan for young people in an inclusive setting.
- Consider the location that you would like to explore for the team building trip.
- Think of how you are going to define an inclusive setting and why this would be considered as one
- Explain the rationale for your choice of location and the activities you will undertake with the group
Learning Outcomes:
- LO 1 - Recognise and define different approaches used to explain social, mental and emotional health problems
- LO 2 - Identify key skills necessary to promote student engagement and cooperation
- LO 3 - Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to social, emotional and mental health problems
- LO 4 - Analyse and apply knowledge to interpreting student case studies
- LO 5 - Evaluate aspects of the research process relevant to the chosen field of study
- LO 6 - Select techniques appropriate for research in this field of study
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Introduction (250 words) |
State the aims of the essay and the main areas of discussion. There is no need to use references in the introduction. |
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Recognising mental health challenges (600 words) |
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Identify what the presenting issues for the parents might be and how they could support the person with their SEMH (LO1) (LO2) (LO3) 600 words
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Identify what the presenting issues for the young persons wider community might be, and the ways in which they might offer SEMH support for the individual (LO1) (LO3) 600 words
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Intervention Plan 700
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Conclusion (250words) |
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Sample Answer
Excursion Plan and SEMH Intervention Report for 16–18 Year-Olds in an Inclusive Setting
Introduction
This report explores the planning of a team-building excursion for young people aged 16–18 within an inclusive educational setting. The purpose is to address and support the social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs of a selected case study group while promoting engagement, cooperation, and well-being through a thoughtfully designed outdoor learning experience.
The report will define what constitutes an inclusive setting, followed by the rationale for selecting a specific location for the trip. The report will further analyse SEMH challenges presented by the selected individual, the role of family and wider community influences, and theoretical approaches to supporting mental health in education. An intervention plan will outline the proposed excursion, including the role of emotional literacy and outdoor learning in improving mental health outcomes. Policies such as the SEND Code of Practice (DfE/DoH, 2015) and other government strategies will be incorporated and critically evaluated.
Recognising Mental Health Challenges
The selected case study describes a 17-year-old male, ‘James’, who has become increasingly withdrawn, showing signs of anxiety and reduced academic engagement. James also avoids social interaction and is preoccupied with online gaming, suggesting possible escapism and digital dependency. This behaviour may be rooted in issues such as low self-esteem, social isolation, or stress linked to academic or family pressures.
The signs of SEMH difficulties include absenteeism, withdrawal, irritability, and digital overuse. These align with research linking excessive screen time with increased risk of depression and anxiety (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Emotional literacy deficits, such as the inability to express feelings appropriately, may also contribute to James’s challenges (Sharp, 2001).
Approaches to understanding SEMH include the biopsychosocial model, which integrates biological, psychological, and social influences (Engel, 1977). Cognitive-behavioural theory (CBT) also offers insight into how distorted thinking patterns can contribute to emotional difficulties (Beck, 1967). While CBT is effective in many school interventions, it may fall short if underlying social issues (e.g., peer bullying or family breakdown) are ignored.
Government policy, particularly the SEND Code of Practice (2015), promotes early identification and intervention. It also encourages person-centred planning and inclusive strategies. However, critics argue that underfunding and teacher workload limit the policy`s effectiveness (House of Commons Education Committee, 2019).
An inclusive approach to SEMH support should promote participation for all, regardless of differences. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports the idea of multiple means of engagement, which is critical when planning activities for neurodiverse or anxious young people.
Continued...