According to BESA.org, the UK is home to 32,770 schools. Out of this number, 20,832 represent primary schools, while middle schools are 19. While there is healthy competition, they are united by a desire to stand out. Despite this, one of the most important considerations is how to build a positive school culture that is memorable and will become a permanent fixture within the ethos of the school. The sense of community dramatically influences teachers, principals, parents and students, which is what a great school culture offers. Here are some powerful strategies that can be used to inspire individuals and build the school culture you desire.
1. Create and implement norms that build values
Ideally, school values are meant to be respected and carried out by all students, teachers and others in the school setting. In some instances, these values extend even to parents. The norms you create should focus on establishing an atmosphere of positivity and good energy. For example, if the norm in the school is against chewing gum on the school premises, you should consider coining it in a way that projects value creation.
Therefore, instead of leaving it at ‘No chewing of bubble gum on school premises,’ you can add an extra line like, ‘be respectful of all others you share the school with.’ The objective of norms and values is to establish consistency and project dignity without sounding authoritative or dictatorial. That will help young students and other stakeholders respect the school while creating an enviable school culture.
2. Be consistent and proactive with school discipline
Ideally, discipline should only be enforced after publicised rules are broken. In the school setting, it is assumed that students and teachers are informed on binding regulations which must be adhered to. For example, students who exhibit exceptionally dangerous behaviour are likely to receive a detention. After several warnings, those who do so consistently are likely to face suspension or outright dismissal from the school. In other words, staying consistent with internal discipline creates a school culture that projects a belief in cause and actions.
Furthermore, as a school, you are required to adopt a proactive approach to discipline. Apart from disciplining the offender, it is worth going further to institute corrective and practical measures to teach a positive lesson. For instance, a bully must be made to understand the repercussions of their actions. Therefore, apart from detention, the bully might be required to apologise orally and in writing to the child on the receiving end. This example is a more proactive approach to discipline that can contribute to creating a positive school culture.
3. Create fun school traditions
Establishing exciting school traditions should be a technique that attracts students and teachers alike. The secret to such traditions dwells in their originality and peculiarity. That builds an all-inclusive environment where participants feel a sense of belonging to the institution they identify with.
To conclude, several educational institutions rely on many strategies to help define and build a positive school culture. Apart from the techniques mentioned above, providing a local school spirit wear is one unique strategy that builds unity and creates a great sense of belonging. Therefore, when implementing a school’s cultural transformation, be sure to select the best technique that projects the culture you wish to inspire.
