Positive Education is an approach to student learning and wellbeing that stems from positive psychology and applies it in a school setting. Positive psychology studies what is going right with the human mind and behaviour and examines how to foster this. It takes a proactive and preventative approach designed to complement the focus of traditional psychology on fixing illness and problems. Similarly, Positive Education is about increasing wellbeing to help students thrive at school and in life more generally. At Winmalee High, we use the World Health Organisation's definition of wellbeing which describes this as a state in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
Positive education
The evidence behind positive education
Positive education at Winmalee High School
Growth mindset
Resources
Growth mindset resources
Blue Mountains Stronger Families Alliance
Positive behaviour for learning (PBL)
At Winmalee High School, we take pride in being:
- safe
- respectful
- learners
PBL increases student engagement and learning by increasing ‘on-task’ behaviours and decreasing distractions in the learning environment. The result at Winmalee High is a positive school environment in which student academic and social outcomes are improved through increased teaching time and consistent expectations of behaviour.
PBL provides the Winmalee High School Community with a proactive system for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviours. It aligns with our focus on Positive Education which involves promoting wellbeing. Staff and student wellbeing are improved through the development of positive relationships which are based on respect. Wellbeing is also supported through the development of emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
Three core behavioural expectations are taught to all students through term PBL lessons. These expectations are applied across all areas of the school. They are; safe, respectful, learners. In understanding what these expectations are, how they apply to all areas of the school, and the clear consequences of not following these expectations, students learn to regulate their own behaviours. In order to reinforce positive behaviours, students are rewarded regularly and acknowledged through the school merit systems, goldies, reward barbeques, reward excursions and acknowledged on assemblies.