“Make Glorious Mistakes!” Fostering growth and wellbeing in HE transition

Abstract

This paper uses Keele’s Legal Essentials module as a case study to evaluate how curriculum design can promote wellbeing in first-year law students, by supporting their transition to higher education and fostering a sense of belonging to the Law School community. Module design is grounded in recognition that the orientation process for new law students should emphasise the importance of wellbeing1 and that wellbeing initiatives are most effective when integrated into the curriculum.2 Legal Essentials aims to give new law students an early experience of a community grounded in collaboration and authentic critical engagement, where risk-taking is fostered and supported. Module delivery incorporates co-teaching and panel-style discussions, including more senior students and members of the wider legal world. Academics, students, and professionals thereby share their own experiences of learning, practice, and wellbeing, modelling a community where vulnerability is not a weakness and collaboration is encouraged.