What Is School Wide Positive Behaviour Support? (SWPBS)
The goal of School Wide Positive Behaviour Support at Williamstown High School is to create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment that enhances our school culture where we maximise individual academic and social growth.
What Does SWPBS Look Like At Williamstown High School?
- Clear set of behaviour expectations are developed around our key behaviour expectations - We are Learners, We are Respectful and We are Safe.
- You can identify the behavioural expectations within 5 minutes of entering the school.
- Students are able to state the behavioural expectations.
- Students are recognised for positive behaviours.
- Positive expectations and behaviours are explicitly taught and encouraged.
- Data is collected and used for decision making.
- It is a team-based approach.
- Families are actively included.
Levels Of School Wide Support
To ensure that students at Williamstown High School receive what they need to be successful we use the continuum of support which is described below:
Behaviour Expectation Matrix
The Behaviour Expectation Matrix translates Williamstown High School’s values and three key expectations into expected behaviours. The matrix clarifies what our behaviours should look, sound and feel like. Our expected behaviours are explicitly taught in every classroom and consistently reinforced throughout the school. Our matrices are displayed and positioned in many locations around the school and are referred to and discussed regularly with all students at Williamstown High School.
Positive Behaviour Expectations
Explicitly Teaching Our Expected Behaviours
Why Do We Explicitly Teach Our Expected Behaviours?
Introducing, modeling and reinforcing positive social behaviour is an important step of a student’s educational experience. Explicitly teaching our behavioural expectations and acknowledging students for demonstrating them is key to our success.
- They are necessary skills for success in life.
- Many students arrive at school without these important skills.
- They are the basis for a positive and safe climate.
- Doing so increases opportunities to teach other skills..
When Do We Teach Our Expected Behaviours?
- At the beginning of school year.
- Often enough to achieve and maintain fluency.
- Before times when problem behaviours tend to increase.
- Ongoing throughout the year. (refresher lessons)
- At teachable moments.
How Do We Teach Social Behaviours?
Tell – Introduce the expected behaviours and discuss why it is important
Show – Demonstrate and model
Practice – Role play expected behaviours in the relevant contexts
Monitor – Pre correct, supervise and provide positive feedback
Reteach – Practice throughout the day
Where Do We Teach Our Expected Behaviours?
- In every classroom throughout the school.
- Everywhere in the school.
- It is Imbedded in other school activities.
Acknowledging, Reinforcing And Recognising Expected Behaviours
When students demonstrate school wide expectations, staff will note their success with positive reinforcement. This may include social, activity or tangible reinforcers. Some key components of our acknowledgement system are our student of the term awards presented by classroom teachers, compass positive posts, year level awards and end of term awards.
Student of the Term Award
How It Works:
- Each term, every classroom teacher will nominate a student from their class who has demonstrated positive actions and behaviours.
- The student will be presented with the student of the term award in class including the award, card and gift voucher.
Compass Positive Acknowledgement
Staff at Williamstown High School have the opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the positive behaviours of students by creating a positive post on the student’s Compass newsfeed. The student and family receive the postcard through Compass.
How It Works:
- Teachers allocate a “Compass positive acknowledgement” to a student who has demonstrated positive actions and behaviours.
- Students and parents will receive an email notifying them of the post.
Year Level Acknowledgement
Staff at Williamstown High School have the opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the positive behaviours of students by nominating students to receive an award at Year Level Assemblies.
How It Works:
- Teachers nominate a student who has demonstrated positive actions and behaviours.
- Students will be acknowledged during Year Level Assemblies
End of Term Awards
At the end of terms 1-3, there is a campus assembly run by student leadership. These assemblies are an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the term. Staff at Williamstown High School have the opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the positive behaviours of students by nominating students to receive an award at the end of term.
End of Term Awards will be given in line with our school values:
Excellence & Creativity: For students who demonstrate excellence and creativity in our achievement and ambitions.
Integrity & Honesty: For students who have demonstrated integrity and honesty in our actions and relationships
Diversity: For students who have been a positive role model within the classroom and who demonstrate inclusiveness
School Spirit: For students who demonstrate strong and open communication at school
Making a Difference: For students who demonstrate a commitment to social justice and contributing towards a positive school culture.