A programme for teaching pro-social behaviour in primary school

What?
The Being Cool in School approach is to help children learn the skills of getting on with others, coping positively with everyday situations, and showing sensitivity and respect whilst holding true to who they are. It is seen as a more pro-active approach than reacting to bad behaviour as and when it happens.

The approach challenges us to think: ‘why do we take good behaviour for granted?’. Positive behaviour is almost invisible when it happens – it’s what we expect. Whilst we don’t always ‘see’ positive behaviour, we certainly notice its absence…in huffs or tantrums, withdrawal and isolation, poor self-image and inability to cope when things go wrong. But positive behaviour can be learned and practised, and Fife Council aims with this pack to provide all children with learning opportunities throughout their school career to develop their skills.

Why?
Those skills that help children to manage the rough and tumble of school life are also life skills. Not only are they key to learning across the curriculum, they give children the best chance of growing up to be resilient and responsible, with happy, healthy relationships.

How?
The programme uses cartoon characters, who ‘grow up’ with pupils. Exercises and worksheets are provided, structuring discussion, reflection and role-play based on everyday school situations. These enable children to practice skills and strategies for managing their behaviour and interactions with others in positive ways, and coping with the tough times.

The programme currently has a focus on primary, but will develop into a progressive model, which children can revisit at different points during their school career – P1, P4/5, P6/7 and S3. The development team is also working on targeted materials for children whose behaviour is causing a higher degree of concern, and resources for P1 (including parental involvement).

Vital statistics
• 10 unit, cumulative programme – a model of progressive skills acquisition
• Current resources focus on P6/7
• Sits within the Health and PSD Guidelines

The Who’s Who of Cool in School
Being Cool in School was developed by Fife Council, with support from the Scottish Executive. The main author is Kate Whitely, who is a Behaviour Support teacher in Lumphinnans PS.

How do I find out more?
Contact Mike Ciesla in Fife Education Service, mike.ciesla@fife.gov.uk

Fife Council is currently working with the Scottish Executive to develop a training for trainers course for Being Cool in School, recognising that this might be more effective in promoting use of the pack than providing a paper resource alone. New ‘regional communication teams’, who will work in local areas to develop practice in promoting positive behaviour, will be key to the approach.