Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL

The Positive Behaviour for Learning program (PBL) was introduced at Hunter Sports High School in 2015 and has made a big impact on student behaviour in classrooms and in the playground.

PBL is a school-wide behaviour initiative that has been implemented in around 45% of public high schools in NSW and it is very successful in encouraging positive behaviour from students. The program  has been shown to improve students' self-concept and motivation to learn, increase attendance and retention, and lead to higher academic achievement.

Research also shows that the increase in positive behaviour brought about by the introduction of the Positive Behaviour for Learning program in turn increases learning time substantially. It employs a whole-school approach and we are confident it will impact positively on the attitudes of our school community towards behaviour and learning and that we will see improvements in student learning outcomes and results.

Our core values at Hunter Sports High School are respect, responsibility and success. These values will be reinforced through lessons and in all aspects of school life. They are expected behaviours and are linked to a student reward system that acknowledges students who exemplify these values.

RESPECT

  • Think twice, say it nice
  • Consider others
  • Be proud

RESPONSIBILITY

  • Make good choices
  • Listen and follow instructions
  • Right place, right time

SUCCESS

  • Set goals
  • Aim high
  • Celebrate achievements
Awards System

Hunter Sports High School's reward system is aligned with Positive Behaviour for Learning and is designed to encourage and recognise individual student efforts. Our reward system is used to encourage positive student behaviour that demonstrates the values of respect, responsibility and success. Students are rewarded through the use of Star Awards and a commendation system.

Star Awards

These awards are given frequently to students for any behaviour that exhibits Hunter Sports High's expectations of respect, responsibility and success. Students place their awards in the relevant year group box at Student Services and one award is randomly picked from each year group each week. The winner will receive a nominal prize (a gift voucher etc.) in recognition of their positive behaviour.

Faculty Commendations

Faculty commendations are given out to students for the following:

  • Outstanding student work in class, with assignments or examinations

  • Good deeds that stand out and incorporate the expectations of respect, responsibility & success

  • School representation

  • Sport representation or achievement

  • Cultural achievement or participation

Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards

Students build up their commendations, which can happen over consecutive years, to achieve the following award levels:

  • 5 Commendations = Bronze Award
  • 3 Bronze Awards = Silver Award
  • 3 Silver Awards = Gold Award
Matrix of Expectations
columns
SCHOOL SETTING RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY SUCCESS
All Settings
  • Be polite
  • Consider others
  • Be proud
  • Own your actions
  • Follow instructions
  • Right place, right time
  • Set goals
  • Aim high
  • Celebrate achievements
Assembly
  • Sit quietly and promptly
  • Listen when others are talking
  • Applaud when appropriate
  • Sit in the correct line
  • Wear uniform with pride
  • Put hats, hoodies and phones away
  • Consider others
  • Celebrate success
  • Be proud of your achievements
Playground
  • Be polite
  • Consider others and their property
  • Think twice, say it nice
  • Follow instructions
  • Put rubbish in the bin
  • Play fair, be safe
  • Clean environment
  • Positive talk to peers and staff
  • Keep the area clean
Bus Lines
  • Respects each others' personal space
  • Respect our neighbours
  • Keep the area clean
  • Move promptly on the bell
  • Line up in an orderly way
  • Be aware of road safety
  • Be on time
  • Follow the rules
  • Be polite
Canteen
  • Use manners
  • Respect others' personal space
  • Noise to a minimum
  • Wait in line
  • Stand behind the yellow line
  • Buy your won food
  • Rubbish free zone
  • Swearing free zone
  • Leave the area once you have been served
Classrooms
  • Raise hand before speaking
  • Consider others
  • Right place, right time
  • Be prepared to learn
  • Bring all equipment needed
  • Listen & follow instructions
  • Strive to achieve
  • Make good choices
  • Celebrate success
Hallways
  • Move quietly
  • Be mindful of others
  • Use manners
  • Keep to the left
  • Food free zone
  • Move promptly between classes
  • Move quietly
  • Be mindful of others
  • Polite manners
Quad
  • Be polite
  • Consider others and their property
  • Think twice, say it nice
  • Own your actions
  • Right place, right time
  • Follow staff instructions
  • Passive area - all balls in bags
  • Play fair, be safe
  • Keep the area clean
Stadium/Gym
  • Only enter under teacher supervision
  • Follow staff instructions
  • Talk positively to staff and peers
  • Keep the stadium clean - food free area
  • Look after all equipment
  • Act safely
  • Be a good sport
  • Create a positive environment
  • Achieve your best
  • Celebrate success
Stairs
  • Keep to the left
  • Be mindful of others
  • Walk quietly to class
  • Right place, right time
  • Keep moving
  • Consider others
  • Be prepared
  • Be on time
  • Be ready to learn
Toilets
  • Respect the personal space of others
  • Keep the area clean and hygienic
  • Request a toilet pass from your teacher during class
  • Right place, right time
  • Be responsible for your own actions
  • Report any anti-social behaviour
  • Consider others
  • Look after the amenities
  • Maintain a clean environment for all
  • Return to class quickly