With concern about young people’s mental health on the rise, teachers are introducing bursts of meditation, mindfulness and yoga sessions during class time.

But one school has turned to the teachings of Aristotle in an attempt to boost pupil wellbeing. Colfe's School, a £17,600-a-year school in Greenwich, south London, has introduced a course in “Eudaimonia”, usually translated as human flourishing or happiness.

The course, which is taught during PSHE lessons, explores the importance of “virtuous behaviour” and examines how the “good life” can be achieved.

Pupils learn about various topics – including mindfulness, spirituality, sex and relationships – through the lens of the Ancient Greek philosopher.

Emerald Henderson, the school’s head of philosophy who teaches the course, said that the lessons into virtuous behaviour provide a powerful antidote to being obsessed with “social media and superficiality”.

“This is a well-being initiative with intellectual integrity and pastoral appeal. Rather than simply focusing on pursuit of their own happiness, the Eudaimonia programme sees personal flourishing as the by-product of living a morally good life,” she said.

The Eudaimonia lessons are spread throughout all ages, with pupils in Year 7 getting one lesson per fortnight, Year 8 and 9 have two full days over the year, rising to a lesson a week for pupils in Years 10 and 11.