22 Oct 2019
PBL a success at Wanniassa Hills
Students from Wanniassa Hills Primary School having some fun with one of their Positive Behaviours for Learning mascots, Wanda. (Photo: Martin Ollman)
Students at Wanniassa Hills Primary School are embracing their Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) program, with great results being achieved across the school.
PBL is an evidence-based, whole school program aimed to improve learning outcomes for all students. It provides a comprehensive, integrated whole-school approach to student wellbeing and behaviour.
This approach involves the school community – staff, students and families – working together so students can make the most of their learning opportunities and respect the learning needs of others so that all can achieve their personal best. The program establishes clear expectations for everyone of what is appropriate behaviour to be able to continue with the core business of schools: learning.
Positive results from PBL are being seen in schools across the ACT – including at Wanniassa Hills.
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Principal John Manders said the students had responded very well to the program.
“We’ve seen a really high level of engagement from the students since we introduced PBL at the start of 2018,” Mr Manders said.
“The students understand the expectations of how they should behave in different learning spaces in the school, as well as how they engage with each other and teaching staff.
“We also really try to bring our PBL mascots into the school – Wanda and Wally, our kangaroos, turn up to school events and make classroom visits!”
There has been an enthusiastic uptake of the badge system in place at Wanniassa Hills Primary School, where students collect tokens that can be traded in for different coloured badges based on positive behaviour.
“PBL is transforming the culture of our school and we are pleased with the positive momentum we are gaining. I’ve heard similar success stories from other schools implementing this program, so it’s having a strong impact,” Mr Manders said.
The implementation of PBL in ACT public schools forms a key part of the Future of Education Strategy.
See the Positive Behaviours for Learning page for more information about the Framework.