What is a positive school culture?

In the last few years, a number of private schools have faced allegations of unacceptable gendered cultures and received national headlines with regard to assaults, bullying, harassment and the offensive behaviours present at these schools.  The actions of these students and schools spill out into our communities. Is it too easy then, to say the schools alone face the blame for these outcomes or do we as a wider community need to shoulder these issues also?

I think we could all have a good go at stating what is definitely not a positive school culture.  The flip-side however, can be harder to pin down and even harder to pursue.

Perhaps we could agree that a positive school culture is an environment in which everyone at the school, all students, teachers and staff, feel respected and supported. A school where everyone feels safe expressing their ideas and opinions, where there is a strong sense of community, and where diversity is celebrated.  But how do we achieve that? 

Why is it important to develop a positive school culture?

No longer are our schools simply places of learning … if they ever were, in fact.  School is where our children will spend the majority of their daylight hours from the ages of 6 to 18 years.  They shape our children in just about every aspect of their development.   They are places of authority and reward, nurturing and challenging, teaching unwritten rules and boundaries just as much as the written ones. 

Our children can build the foundations of life-long relationships at school, receive personality-defining input, both positive and negative and carry the scars and habits gained at school for the rest of their lives.  Why would we, as a community, not join in to support and enhance the positive outcomes a school is responsible for?  Well, when it’s phrased like that, of course we all want positive cultures and experiences at our schools.  However, it’s not that easy is it? 

A positive school culture cannot be built over-night and takes ongoing commitment and effort from all school leaders, executives, teachers and the community it resides in.  Once that commitment is in place, the benefits cannot be understated:

An increase in student engagement, higher academic outcomes, improved teacher morale and retention, better overall student behaviour and increased community involvement.  These are documented, researched and well-known outcomes of a positive school culture and represent worthy goals for all our schools and all our children.

How do we create a positive school culture?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, but the experts do all seem to agree on a few key things.

Build strong relationships - between students, teachers, staff, and the wider community.  Encourage and promote opportunities for students, teachers and staff to interact and collaborate.

Actively promote student and staff wellbeing – social and emotional wellbeing is directly linked to success in life.  Whether a student or teacher, resilience, a positive mindset and the skills to build healthy relationships are essential tools to have throughout life. 

Work towards a shared vision – one that reflects the values and beliefs of the school community and provides a roadmap for achieving the school’s goals.

Recognise and celebrate diversity – promote a culture of inclusivity by recognising and valuing the differences between individuals and cultures and incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum.  

Encourage the students to have a voice - create opportunities for them to take on leadership roles and involve them in decision-making processes. 

And perhaps the most important one of all …. Be the change you want to see – model  the positive behaviours and attitudes that are desired.  Once everyone (all teachers, school leaders, students, families and staff) have committed to the shared vision of a positive school culture, the burden is spread and in turn lightened, by being supported by all rather than just a few.  Momentum will be gained and each new cohort of families, students and teachers will simply embrace this positive culture as the norm and engage with it as an established presence.

References:

Victorian government, Department of education - https://www.vic.gov.au/role-schools-promoting-mental-health-and-wellbeing

State school teacher’s union WA - https://www.sstuwa.org.au/WesternTeacher/2024/volume-533-may-2024/having-good-school-culture-and-approach-gender

ClassCover - https://www.classcover.com.au/blog/creating-a-positive-school-culture-a-principals-guide

Australian Broadcasting Corporation - https://www.abc.net.au/education/how-to-embrace-cultural-diversity-in-schools-every-day/102121878