Post-Pandemic, how can schools reinforce a sense of fun and belonging in students again" We ask seven educationalists from some of the UK’s top private schools for their advice…
Stuart Dalley, Badminton School, Bristol
How strongly a pupil feels that they belong at our school will shape their life in a broader sense. We find that students with a strong sense of school belonging really value learning and are highly motivated. We encourage positive relationships with teachers and non-academic staff.
We?ve created a positive peer culture through, for example, the ?buddy bench? in the junior school playground and a mentor scheme where sixth formers form friendships with pupils in lower year groups. This has proven to have an enormously positive effect on younger pupils? sense of belonging and confidence. Credit: Badminton School
The expectations of behaviour also encourage a sense of belonging, and they?re as important as social and emotional skills, all of which are taught in academic and extracurricular activities.
We don?t forget the parents in this: when they value education and respect the school culture, they?re more likely to have a child with a sense of school belonging. Parents are invited to many school events, such as the annual House Supper, which is also attended by pupils and teachers.
Richard Backhouse, Berkhamsted Schools Group, Herts
Credit: Berkhamsted Schools
We are (collectively and collaboratively) finding a new normal, which includes the b...