Ethos

Ethos is the overall feeling and nature of a school. This includes the atmosphere in the school, relationships between pupils, staff, families and the wider community, the school building and grounds, the sense of welcome and positive learning in the classroom.

In the classroom it is of critical importance in determining the quality of learning that takes place, because there is little doubt that pupils respond best in a safe, secure and accepting classroom. How teachers establish their authority, their tone, the little things they continually say and do on a daily basis, also determine that climate.

Points Arising from Research

Pupils learn more and behave better when they receive high levels of understanding, caring and genuineness than when they receive low levels of support
There is a need for standards of behaviour to be agreed and applied consistently throughout school and for teachers to have positive expectations that they will be met
Good relationships in classrooms must be based on the teacher having established a framework for order and having earned the respect of the pupils.

A positive and supportive environment is characterized by high teacher and learner expectations, where the learner is relaxed, alert and free from stress, yet challenged. The brain needs positive emotions to learn effectively. Self esteem, confidence, sense of belonging, freedom from physical and psychological harm, successful experience and achievements recognised, are required constants if learning is to be effective.

Key Elements of Ethos

A positive school ethos can significantly impact on the health and well-being of pupils and staff. Likely features of a positive school ethos include:

a strong sense of community
good interpersonal relationships
appropriate pastoral care for pupils and staff
an atmosphere that encourages citizenship
pupil participation in decision management

Enabling Participation

Children and young people have the right to participate in decision making that affects them. All children and young people, regardless of their age or ability can offer experience and knowledge, new perspectives, skills, time and both creative and practical ideas.

School life and education affects and concerns most children and young people and they should be provided with opportunities and supported to participate in school decision making processes and structures.

Support for Pupils

Support for pupils' personal, social and emotional development has long been a focus of professional commitment and growing expertise in Scottish schools. The role of personal support in school is to meet the care and welfare needs of all children and young people so that they achieve their fullest potential.

Staff health and Wellbeing

The key aspect of a health promoting school is the fact that its emphasis on health encompasses the whole school - and that means the staff as well as the pupils. This does not just mean preventing the risk of ill health. It also involves promoting the emotional, social and physical aspects of health and well-being.

Reflection and Discussion

Which areas of the above do you recognise in your current school/classroom practice?

Are there any areas that you would consider adapting to establish a more positive classroom climate?

Some Activities for the Development of Classroom Ethos

Key Element Enabling Participation

Objective Children and young people have the right to participate in decision making that affects them.

Action Create a pupil council to enable young people to play an important role in school life and help in various different ways, for example:

to enable a two-way process of consultation between pupils and staff
provide formal means for pupils to raise issues
consult pupils on major issues that will affect them
help raise pupil morale
make a positive contribution to the school ethos.

Key Element Support for Pupils

Objective Help pupils develop their personal, social and emotional skills by talking through issues or difficulties

Action Circle Time enables children and young people to talk about issues or concerns in an open, relaxed atmosphere and promotes positive ethos by allowing pupils to hear how others feel and reflect on the issues raised.

Key Element Staff health and Wellbeing

Objective Raise the profile of staff health in the school.

Action Rearrange or redecorate the staff room to make it more welcoming and relaxing /providing a staff fitness class / offer an aromatherapy programme.