The aim of Positive Education is to create thriving and successful students, staff and community. Skills of well-being and resilience are taught to all so that everyone in the community can flourish, lead purposeful lives and contribute positively to society. It is an approach that aims to assist people to be more resilient in stressful situations, more tolerant towards others, have improved feelings of competence and improved mental health.
Positive Education supports both achievement and well-being. It is education for both traditional skills and happiness and wellbeing. Effort is needed to train the brain and the brain needs time to strengthen and develop healthy habits. As Aristotle said, “Excellence is not an act it is a habit”. Everyone needs to flourish or thrive – be the best that they can be.
Positive education is a whole school community initiative, linked to evidence based outcomes and benefits of Positive Psychology, that promotes the PERMA ingredients. The PERMA Model is a well-being theory which was developed by Martin Seligman – a world renowned positive psychologist. We have added a sixth ingredient H to the model.