At Manchester Primary School, we are guided by our Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy which is to be read in conjunction with the Department of Education Engagement policy guidelines.
The policy outlines our approach in whole-school prevention, rights and responsibilities, shared expectations and school actions and consequences. It is essential that all staff members are familiar with this document and its philosophy and follow the processes outlined.
What is student engagement?
Student engagement is challenging to define as it is a complex construct influenced by multiple factors.
Fredericks, Blumenfeld and Paris (2004) identify three dimensions of engagement:
- behavioural engagement: students’ participation in education, including the academic, social and extracurricular activities of the school
- emotional engagement: students’ emotional reactions in the classroom and in the school (a sense of belonging or connectedness to the school)
- cognitive engagement: students’ investment in their learning (motivation and self-regulation).
At Manchester Primary School we utilise a tiered intervention model to support all students to achieve success.
- Tier 1 – Universal interventions for all students
- Tier 2 – Group/cohort supports
- Tier 3 – Individualised supports
We have a range of wellbeing programs and approaches including:
- Flying Start school induction program
- School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
- Respectful Relationships
- Treehouse program
- Zones of Regulation
Opportunities for student voice and agency are key to our wellbeing and engagement approach. We want our students to feel heard and valued. We have a variety of student leadership opportunities, including class roles and responsibilities, Year 6 leadership program and Student Representative Council (SRC).