Phil gave a passionate talk about making students feel better in belonging to the school and the value of co-curriculum in the school.
He asked, ‘What are your strongest memories from your schooling years?’. His memories were having connection with the teachers, in year 8, joining the cadets, and connecting with senior students, trigonometry, camps and sport. The main thing that made Phil enjoy school was peer interaction.
When students belong to the school, it leads to strong academic outcomes and social interaction and emotional connectedness. If students do not belong to the school, they leave school early and do not have the social skills or connections. Positive student-teacher relationships, and relationship building with trusted adults is important, even when peers are so influential. Creating a culture of belonging in school is the result of organised co-curricular activities, placing value on education and learning, being pro-active in mental health and having engaging parents.
Students need to understand why they need to do things. Teachers need to create a sense of trust. Some teachers talk down to young adults, which is a turn off to the students. Drama, Sport, Music, Debating, Cadets, School Camps and other co-curricular activities must be used to develop trust. They must be activities to suit the interests and complement with academic activities, but give the student areas to achieve. It is all about young people working together. The psychological benefits and leadership skills carry forward into later life.
Covid 19 has had a detrimental effect on co-curricular activities. Cadets, for example, builds up over the years, and with nearly 2 years of no activity, it will take many years to recover. On line learning is no substitute, and the mental health aspect is so significant. Students feel disconnected with very real mental problems and the effects will show in the next few years.
Phil asserted that leadership needs to be part of student training. UNSW took this up at a very early stage. Leadership should be recognised. Service involvement leaders at school become better managers
Teachers, parents and the community must ensure that all students thrive in all aspects of their education.