Sense of Belonging - The Deep Impact
The NSW Education Department has released eight years of data from surveys, which asked students about their sense of belonging at school, including if they feel included and accepted, and if they make friends easily.
The data was explored this week in the Sydney Morning Herald article titled, ‘Nearly Half of All High School Students Feel Like They Don't Belong: Here's Why’.
While the focus of the article was on High School students, the data included “sense of belonging” in Primary School students between 2016 and 2023 - 68% reported a positive sense of belonging last year (down from 79% seven years ago).
Factors identified as boosting sense of belonging included:
- strong peer relationships
- an absence of bullying
- positive teacher-student relations
- classroom management and quality teaching practices
- importance of explicit teaching which is highly interactive between students and teachers
- participation in sport
- connection with the local community (going to school close to home)
- an inclusive school environment that was welcoming to parents.
Before our boys can engage deeply in learning, they need a positive school climate, which promotes a feeling of being connected, safe, and supported.
Research has shown that such a climate can significantly impact academic performance, school attendance, emotional health and wellbeing, self-esteem and self-efficacy for students and job satisfaction, resilience, and wellbeing for teachers.
It allows students to feel comfortable to contribute, to take risks, and even to fail as they learn and grow. It enhances opportunities to develop a stronger growth mindset; develop an understanding of owning their learning journey; and strengthen basic skills, creativity and critical thinking.
“When we prioritise academics over relationship, it’s like building the walls before fortifying the foundations.” - Karen Young, Psychologist
We were created to be highly relational and have, as a basic need, connection, and a sense of belonging. When we feel connected, we have the emotional freedom to engage and thrive in other areas.
Mosman Prep is a very special community, defined by and renowned for its open and trusting relationships, deep connections, partnerships, and a strong shared sense of belonging.
Achieving and maintaining such a culture is something we are truly proud of, thankful for, and which we treasure.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4: 8-10
Reference:
Sydney Morning Herald (September, 2024)
