Being Cool in School

Being Cool in School is a programme for developing emotional literacy and teaching pro-social behaviour in young people.

Developed by teachers in Fife Council, it proactively helps children to:

• cope positively with everyday situations
• show sensitivity
• respect themselves and others.

This approach asks the question: why do we take good behaviour for granted? Whilst positive behaviour is not always obvious, its absence is highly noticeable in the form of huffs or tantrums, withdrawal and isolation, poor self-image and inability to cope when things go wrong.

Being Cool in School demonstrates that positive behaviour can be learned and practised. By adopting this approach schools can provide all children with learning opportunities to develop these skills.

Why use this approach?

The skills that are developed are key to learning across the curriculum and give children the best chance of growing up to be resilient and responsible, with happy, healthy relationships

How can it be used?

The programme uses cartoon characters, who 'grow up' with pupils. Exercises and worksheets are provided, structuring discussion, reflection and role-play based on everyday school situations.

These enable children to practise managing their behaviour and interactions with others in positive ways.

The programme is progressive and comprises four separate packs, each fully and appropriately illustrated:

• Infant (P1/2)
• Middle (P4/5)
• Upper (P6/7)
• Secondary pack, 'What's Going On', which is appropriate for late S2/ early S3.

Each pack is a 10-unit, cumulative programme of progressive skills acquisition relevant to Health and wellbeing.

The main author was depute head Kate Whitely from King's Road Primary School in Fife.  

Training opportunities

To arrange training in your establishment or authority, please contact Maggie Fallon (Maggie.Fallon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk), Positive Behaviour Team Leader.