Positive Psychology

Positive education brings together the science of positive psychology with best practice teaching to encourage and support individuals, schools and communities to flourish. Positive education is underpinned by research; specifically the PERMAH (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment & Health) model and Character Strengths.

Character is the combination of thoughts, actions and behaviours. Research has shown that the same 24 Character Strengths have been shared by humans in virtually all cultures over three millennia, (Seligmen & Petterson 2004).

Character Strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Rather, developing them may help us overcome the inevitable challenges of life. For example, you can’t show perseverance without first wanting to quit; you can’t show self-control without first being tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t. 

At the Alice Smith School, we learn about Character Strengths. Teaching students about Character Strengths and how to reflect on their own character offers an opportunity for them to develop genuine self awareness. As well as this, it helps them better understand how everyone is different and how to appreciate those differences. This knowledge will better equip them to enjoy positive relationships. We believe that by learning about Character Strengths, our students will be better placed to grow as kind and respectful global citizens.