The views of primary pupils at Key Stage 2 on school behaviour in Wales

Abstract

This paper provides empirical evidence on primary pupils’ views on school behaviour in Wales at Key Stage 2. The research was conducted as part of the specific evidence commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) for the National Behaviour and Attendance Review (NBAR) in Wales which was chaired by the lead author. The findings indicate that nearly every child and young person that participated in the specially‐convened focus groups, in practically every setting, had a good awareness of the benefits of exhibiting positive behaviour both within class and in and around their schools. They were acutely aware of the detrimental consequences of poor behaviour within classrooms and its effects upon teachers and their own later life chances. They understood the need for schools to have rules on behaviour. The pupils were, however, particularly concerned about the lack of control in classrooms exerted by some supply teachers. They were also worried about the adverse consequences of bullying, inappropriate teaching styles, with specific criticism of “boring” lessons such as “just copying out facts”. The implications of the findings are considered along with the possibilities for further research.

Keywords:

• behaviour
• primary school behaviour
• children and young people’s rights
• pupils’
• views and voices
• educational research in Wales
• the National Behaviour and Attendance Report (NBAR) in Wales

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the members of the NBAR Group who participated in the meetings held between 2006–2008 and to the pupils and staff who participated in and facilitated this research. The lead author would particularly like to thank Caroline Challoner, Director, Cazbah Ltd, South Wales who wrote the Cazbah Report for the NBAR Group; Ann Lancett, Director, Mark‐It Training and Consultancy Ltd, South Wales; Glenda Jones, Cazbah Ltd, South Wales; Gwion Ap Rhysiart, Cazbah Ltd, South Wales; and Sally Challoner, Cazbah Ltd, South Wales who participated in the fieldwork.