Being Cool in School

What is the Being Cool in School approach?

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 Being Cool in School?

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) and the Secondary pack, 'What's Going On', which is appropriate for late S2/ early S3.

Find out more

To arrange training in your establishment or authority contact any of the Positive Behaviour Team or to find out more about Cool in School, contact Isobel Triay, CPD Development Officer,
Fife Education Service
Email:
isobel.triay@fife.gov.uk