Pupils positive about learning and development

AFTER a year in the making, Barwon Heads Primary School pupils are excited about launching their Positive Education Statements tomorrow (Friday).

Designed by pupils and staff, their purpose is to enhance the visibility of positive education, create a common language and enhance the wellbeing of those in their school community.

Grade 3 and Positive Education Leader Lisa Kebbell said the school was in its third year of practising Positive Education to improve pupil wellbeing and nurture happy, resilient children.

“The school has been leading the way for other state schools in the region in practising “Pos. Ed.”, which is recognised worldwide as a successful approach to increasing social and emotional learning and development,” Ms Kebbell said.

“Studies have shown that increased positive emotions lead to improved student learning.”

Ms Kebbell said the purpose of the statements was to make Pos. Ed. more visible in the school, provide a goal-setting tool for pupils’ personal development and identify successful behaviours and ways of thinking in the form of a collective language.

She said the statements encompassed the five pillars of the school’s wellbeing model: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Mindfulness and Accomplishment.

“Each pillar has a collection of related statements that the community can refer to, enabling them to further reinforce the strengths-based approach to wellbeing,” she said.

“The statements are taught, referred to in class and in the playground to encourage positive behaviour and assist pupils to flourish in their lives at school and beyond.”

After the launch, the statements will be visible around the school in the form of posters in each classroom, banners and signage.

Each family has been given their own copy to use at home.