Evidence-based Approaches in Positive Education: Implementing a Strategic Framework for Well-being in Schools

Based on action research and implementation at one of the world’s great schools, this book provides a much-needed exploration of how to implement positive education at a whole school level. Evidence-Based Approaches in Positive Education summarises the integration of a whole-school mental health and well-being strategy, positive psychology programs and pastoral care models from 3 – 18 years of age. Positive education is the teaching of scientifically validated programs from positive psychology and character education that have an impact on student and staff well-being. It is an approach that focuses on teaching, building and embedding social and emotional learning throughout a student’s experience. St Peter’s College - Adelaide is the only institution in the world to integrate Martin Seligman’s well-being theory throughout all aspects of both its strategic intent and positive education programs. The School’s vision is to be a world-class school where all boys flourish. Its mission is to provide an exceptional education that brings out the very best in every boy. This is done within an intellectually and spiritually rich environment that nurtures international-mindedness, intercultural understanding, respect and a commitment to social justice. This book captures the developments of the St Peter’s College journey. It focuses on the integration of well-being across seven strategic goals: Academics; Well-being; Student Life; Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Partnerships; People, Culture and Change; Sustainability and Environment; Community Engagement, Advancement, and Philanthropy. A uniquely Australian school, the impact of a St Peter’s College education is to build great men: who believe safety, service and integrity and fundamental parts of their lives; who are active members of communities that are socially and culturally diverse; who engage in political, ethical, and environmental challenges as good citizens. Since 1847, St Peter’s College alumni have had global and life-changing impact in all fields of human endeavour. The School’s alumni include three Nobel Laureates, 42 Rhodes Scholars, Olympians and Archbishops, artists and scientists, educators and journalists, actors and politicians, philanthropists and physicians, CEOs, diplomats and soldiers, explorers, painters and poets. This book shares evidence-based practices and makes a substantial contribution to the rapidly developing field of positive psychology and its application in schools.

Mathew A. White Ph.D., is Director of Wellbeing & Positive Education at St Peter’s College, Adelaide, Australia. Mathew serves on the Senior Leadership Team of St Peter’s College, Adelaide. He graduated PhD from the University of Adelaide and completed residential studies at The Principals’ Center Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mathew is Senior Fellow in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education - The University of Melbourne and Affiliate in Cambridge University’s Wellbeing Institute. His work focuses on leadership, cultural change, and wellbeing. He has lectured at the Universities of Oxford, Melbourne, Pennsylvania and Bath. His publications appear in Journal of Positive Psychology, International Journal of Wellbeing, Psychology and International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry. Mathew has presented to the Governor’s Leadership Foundation, South Australian Government’s Executive Services Leadership Program and the Positive Education Summit & Round Table on Wellbeing at No. 10 Downing Street. He has counselled Catholic education, government systems, independent and Lutheran schools on applications of wellbeing. Mathew represented St Peter’s College as lead partner in Dr Seligman’s appointment as Thinker in Residence - Department of the Premier and Cabinet for the Government of South Australia. He is a member of the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre Education Committee – South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Academic Advisory Board – Positive Psychology Centre – University of Melbourne, Course Advisory Group – TAFE-SA, and Academic Committee – St Mark’s College, Adelaide.

A. Simon Murray is the 14th Headmaster of St Peter’s College, Adelaide – one of Australia’s oldest independent schools, with over 1385 students and 220 staff. He has had 30 years of leadership experience in education. Prior to his appointment to St Peter’s College, Simon was Headmaster of Canberra Grammar School and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. Simon was elected Chair of Association of Heads of Independent School of Australia from 2009 – 2011, representing over 390 member schools. He is a past Board member of the Independent Schools Council of Australia. He was appointed a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators in 2008 for his leadership in the independent school sector. Simon is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Simon has presented at national and international conferences on wellbeing, leadership, cultural change, and future directions in education. He was the St Peter’s College representative for Dr. Seligman’s role as Adelaide’s Thinker in Residence – Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Simon was one of thirty leaders in education invited to participate in a Positive Education Summit on Wellbeing at 10 Downing Street. He is the foundation Chairman and a board member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), a board member of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), a council member of Adelaide’s largest residential university college, St Mark’s College, and an appointed member of the diocesan council in the Anglican Diocese.