Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) is an educational approach to addressing student conduct within a school environment. By implementing evidence based, prevention focused interventions, improved academic and behavioural outcomes can be achieved. PB4L initiatives are evident throughout Edinburgh College’s ethos, curriculum, behavioural strategy and student acknowledgement system. The outcome of these initiatives ensure students are offered effective support strategies in order to make positive behavioural choices and are acknowledged for positive conduct, effort and behaviour. A safe and effective teaching and learning environment results.

PB4L is a school wide approach that is based on the Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports framework developed at the University of Oregon. The implementation of PB4L:

• Reduces behavioural incidents

• Increases teaching and learning time

• Improves student achievement

The New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) investigated the outcomes of PB4L within New Zealand schools in 2010 - 2013 and published the following results as noted from curriculum leaders:

• 73% less disruption in class

• 71% increase in engagement in learning

• 55% increase in students arriving on time for lessons (Ministry of Education, 2015)

PB4L Guidelines:

• A positive behaviour matrix is developed within each classroom

• Teachers direct and teach students towards the matrix expectations

• Students are rewarded for their compliance to the matrix expectations anywhere within the school grounds/rooms

• Teachers keep a record of merits for children and post it on SEQTA;

• Parents may be notified by email/SEQTA;

• Merits given are never taken from a child;

• At the end of the week (during Chapel) students who have received a merit are randomly chosen to choose the activity that the top 5% of students will be able to engage in.

• At the end of the week, students who have demonstrated the week’s value may received a certificate for their efforts

• In the last week of term the merits recorded throughout the term are calculated and children are awarded a PB4L level. The top 20% of students are given a Bronze badge to wear, the top 10% of students are given a Bronze and Silver badge to wear and the tip 5% are given a Bronze, Silver and Gold badge to wear throughout the next term.

Although the PB4L program offers a great scope for promoting positive behaviour in the school, sometimes it doesn’t always work and infringements are necessary.