Mr Finch Believes Emotions Matter at BSB
Raymond Edward Finch, Founding Headteacher of the British School of Bali, is delighted to announce the introduction of RULER, a world-renowned Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programme developed by the Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence, as a foundational part of the school’s wellbeing and personal development curriculum.
Set in the lush and inspiring surroundings of Ubud, and opening in August 2025 for children aged 2–11, the British School of Bali combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to emotional wellbeing. RULER is a perfect fit for this philosophy.
“RULER helps us cultivate the emotional intelligence that every young learner needs to thrive – not just in school, but throughout life,” says Mr Finch. “It is a privilege to bring such a transformative tool to our community in Bali.”
As an open-minded international school, the British School of Bali offers a high-class, heavily adapted version of the English National Curriculum, allowing the flexibility to adopt innovative, research-driven approaches from around the world. This includes drawing from the best of UK and global practice to support the full development of every child. The adoption of the RULER approach from Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence reflects this outward-looking ethos - and is just the beginning. The school also looks forward to incorporating other evidence-based practices in mindfulness, yoga, and meditation as part of its wider vision for student wellbeing, emotional balance and holistic growth.
An explanation of the five key RULER skills.
What is RULER?
RULER is an evidence-based approach to teaching emotional intelligence, created by Dr. Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the excellent book, Permission to Feel. His work has influenced classrooms around the world, helping children, teachers and families build healthy relationships and manage emotions constructively.
Dr Marl Brackett, a pioneer in bringing world-class SEL to children in the USA and across the world.
“Emotions matter. They influence our attention, memory, learning, decision-making, relationships, health, and performance.” - Dr. Marc Brackett
The name RULER is an acronym that represents five key skills:
Recognising emotions in oneself and others
Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
Labelling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary
Expressing emotions in ways that are appropriate
Regulating emotions with helpful strategies
The Mood Meter: one of the four core RULER tools for healthy regulation of emotions.
These skills are taught through a suite of practical tools including the Mood Meter (pictured above), which helps children identify how they’re feeling and what actions they might take to regulate, sustain or alter those feelings. Over time, students learn to use a shared emotional vocabulary and become active participants in building a kind, respectful and emotionally aware school culture.
How RULER is Implemented
The RULER approach - both at BSB and in every setting where it has succeeded - unfolds in three deliberate phases. This structured progression is key to how RULER succeeds where other programmes can sometimes fail; the importance of securing staff buy-in first, then fostering student participation and, finally, the wider community’s engagement is crucial to the approach’s effectiveness and sustainability.
Staff Personal Practice – Teachers and school leaders begin by developing their own emotional intelligence and modelling the use of RULER tools.
Classroom Integration – Students learn emotional intelligence skills through dedicated lessons and embedded routines.
Family & Community Engagement – Parents, caregivers, and the broader community reinforce emotional literacy beyond the classroom, embedding it in everyday life.
This phased approach ensures that every stakeholder - staff, students, and families - is empowered to take part in emotional learning, reinforcing the belief that wellbeing is a shared responsibility.
By planning to embed RULER across the school, from Early Years through Year 6, Mr Finch and his team are equipping students with the lifelong capacity to manage emotions, develop empathy, resolve conflict and make responsible decisions. This initiative aligns with the British School of Bali and the Schools Trust’s mission to nurture not just academic achievement, but character, wellbeing and global citizenship.
“We are not only building a school,” says Mr Finch, “we’re building a compassionate, emotionally intelligent community.”
Final note: published on May 1st, 2025, with love, to celebrate the 13th birthday of Monica Ann Elizabeth Finch - an extraordinarily kind, creative, talented and funny young lady. Monica’s positive energy lights up every room she enters and inspires those who know and love her. xxxx
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