Behavioural issues in Australian high schools persist as a significant challenge, with many teachers feeling intimidated by students and parents alike. In response, Rosebud Secondary College on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula has implemented a comprehensive program to foster respect and create calmer classroom environments. Introduced last year, the initiative incorporates various strategies, such as call-and-response cues to signal class beginnings, a lucky dip for student participation, and specific vocal techniques tailored to various situations.
Principal Lisa Holt emphasises a behaviour curriculum designed to address dysregulated behaviour, involving consistent routines across all year levels. Teachers, including Year 9 instructor Blythe Dwyer, have reported an increase in teaching time and overall classroom engagement since the new approach was adopted. Students echo these sentiments, noting a marked improvement in respect for their teachers and increased engagement during lessons.
The program aims not only to enhance classroom order but also to prepare students for future employment by instilling essential behavioural skills. While the positive changes are evident at Rosebud Secondary, there is a call for broader implementation across Victoria to address ongoing behavioural challenges in secondary schools. As Deputy Premier Ben Carroll notes, engaged classrooms are key to tackling these issues, with a focus on ensuring schools remain safe spaces that promote health and wellbeing.