The Forest High School became a part of a pilot program throughout Northern Sydney Region in 2009 called PBEL (Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners).  The philosophy of this program aims to improve outcomes for all students by creating sustainable school-wide, classroom and individual systems of support that acknowledge the link between positive behaviour and enhanced learning environments.

 

PBEL provides students and staff at The Forest High School with a positive and proactive system for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviours.

Three core behavioural expectations are taught to all students through formal social skills instruction. These expectations are applied across all areas of the school. They are; RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and PERSONAL BEST. In understanding what these expectations are, how they apply to all areas of the school, and the clear consequences of not following these ‘rules’, students gradually learn to regulate their own behaviours. In order to reinforce positive behaviours, students are rewarded regularly and acknowledged through the school merit systems and assemblies.

PBEL increases student engagement and learning by increasing ‘on-task’ behaviours and decreasing distractions in the learning environment. The result at The Forest High is a positive school environment in which student academic and social outcomes are improved through increased teaching time and consistent expectations of behaviour.

Ongoing support from Regional PBEL Officers and an external ‘Coach’ ensure that PBEL is a foundation element of our school. Teachers at our school will continue to be assisted throughout the process so that they can intervene effectively to manage behaviours in both classroom and non-classroom environments. Data is collected and analysed regularly so that system changes can be made when necessary.

PBEL at The Forest High School assists our staff in the delivery of the highest quality learning programs and improving academic and behavioural learning outcomes for all students.