ACT – news – 14/07/08

Chapman Primary School, ACT: Values Education through Peer Support Program
Throughout 2007, Chapman Primary School trialled and implemented their values education program through a peer support program. This program involved trained Year 6 peer support leaders taking responsibility, with their teachers, to plan and teach specific values education lessons to their multi-age K-5 groups on a fortnightly basis. The content of the lessons was adapted from the nine Values for Australian Schooling and was written using multiple resources. Each lesson was delivered through a circle time framework. The nine values for Australian schooling were immersed in the culture of the school and common understandings were formed with all students, teachers and the wider community.

The program resulted in students feeling empowered by the processes and were able to form common understandings and appreciate differences in experiences from other students. The Values Education through Peer Support program was communicated to the wider community through newsletters and assemblies and parents were invited to participate in sessions and celebrations. A common language around values was introduced which allowed teachers, students and the wider community to communicate with each other in a consistent manner.

The program culminated in a whole school celebration, including a presentation and video showcasing the nine values for Australian schooling taught through the peer support program.