What is SWPBS?
School-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) is a framework that brings our school community together to develop a positive, safe and supportive learning culture.
SWPBS assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children and young people.
SWPBS practices and supports have been designed using research and evidence that have been demonstrated to be effective.
Introducing, modelling, and reinforcing positive social behaviour is an important step of a student’s educational experience. Teaching behavioural expectations and acknowledging students for following them is a much more positive approach than waiting for misbehaviour to occur before responding.
When implemented well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships and classroom instruction. Staff and students benefit from:
- Increased respectful and positive behaviour
- Increased time focused on instruction
- Improved social and emotional wellbeing
- Positive and respectful relationships among students and staff
- A supported learning environment
At Garrang Wilam Primary School we have developed a Whole School Behaviour Matrix which is displayed prominently throughout the school. This matrix clearly states the behaviours we expect of our students in all settings within the school. The behaviour expectations have been grouped in accordance to our school values of Together, Focus, Strength and Lead. Our teachers explicitly teach the positive behaviour expectations just as we explicitly teach academics.
We have also developed a Behaviour Continuum which includes: Major, Minor-Moderate and positive behaviours. Students are taught that if they display a Major behaviour, it will be recorded and school leadership will be involved to support the management of the situation. Common understandings and expectations across the school are essential to ensure consistency between year levels.
