In an ever-evolving world, education must go beyond traditional academics to truly equip students with the skills and mindset needed for success. At Kingsley, we have embraced Positive Education, an approach grounded in Positive Psychology, to help our students develop resilience, well-being, and a strengths-based perspective on life.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology, pioneered by Professor Martin Seligman, is the scientific study of human flourishing. It shifts the focus from merely fixing weaknesses to identifying and enhancing individual strengths, fostering optimism, and cultivating well-being. By integrating Positive Psychology principles into education, students learn to harness their strengths, develop self-awareness, and build the skills necessary to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Kingsley’s Adoption of Positive Education
At Kingsley, Positive Education is a fundamental pillar of our ethos, guiding students towards self-discovery and self-improvement. Through a structured and intentional approach, we encourage students to recognise their own strengths and apply them daily to become the best versions of themselves. This academic year, we introduced a dedicated Positive Education framework that is embedded within our pastoral curriculum, aligning with PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) and our Future Skills program.
Our senior and sixth form students benefit from tailored Positive Education sessions each week based on our unique ‘SOAR’ model, which stands for:
Strengths: Understanding and building upon personal strengths is at the heart of Positive Education. Students engage in activities that help them identify their unique strengths and explore how these can be further developed to enhance their personal and academic lives.
Optimism and Outcomes: Setting goals and creating positive habits are essential for achieving success. Students reflect on their aspirations and learn strategies to develop a growth mindset, fostering a proactive approach to their future.
Awareness and Attention: Mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness are crucial components of well-being. Our program helps students cultivate attention to their emotions, allowing them to develop self-regulation skills that support both academic and personal success.
Resilience and Relationships: Building resilience enables students to manage stress effectively while fostering self-efficacy and self-compassion. Additionally, students learn the importance of nurturing positive relationships and developing strong interpersonal skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
By incorporating the SOAR model into our Positive Education sessions, we ensure that our students receive structured guidance in key areas of personal development, enabling them to build confidence, navigate challenges, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
Positive Education as a Core Pillar of Kingsley
One of the four fundamental pillars of Kingsley is Positive Education, reinforcing our commitment to holistic student development. We believe that fostering a strengths-based approach to learning encourages students to engage in meaningful opportunities for self-improvement. This philosophy helps shift their focus from negativity bias—a natural human tendency to dwell on challenges or setbacks—to a more balanced and optimistic perspective. By prioritising Positive Education, we are creating an environment where students can develop a strong sense of purpose, motivation, and well-being.
A Journey Towards Lifelong Well-being
As part of our ongoing commitment to student development, we introduced Positive Education as a formal part of our curriculum this academic year. While we are at the beginning of our Positive Education journey, we are confident that this initiative will pave the way for positive outcomes for all our students. By fostering self-understanding, resilience, and a strengths-based approach to life, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed, both within and beyond the school environment.
At Kingsley, we believe that education is about more than just academics—it is about preparing students to thrive in all aspects of life. Through Positive Education, we are shaping confident, resilient, and forward-thinking individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of the future with optimism and determination.
Article written by Rachael Bubb – Assistant Head (Wellbeing & Pastoral)