What makes an ideal and non-ideal school in Scotland? – Pupils’ perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adopting the “Drawing the Ideal School” technique based on Personal Construct Psychology, the aim of the study was to explore the realities and constructs of school held by eight young people (aged 12). In answer to “what do young people think makes a non-ideal school”, 10 main themes emerged; inadequate physical environment, inadequate learning experience, people demonstrate undesirable qualities, bullying, lack of safety and security, ineffective communication, inequality, “pupils are very misbehaved”, lack of play and fun, and isolation. This non-ideal school made young people feel unhappy, stressed, and fearful. Ten “ideal school” themes were where young people feel gratified and motivated: positive learning experience; people demonstrate positive qualities; high-quality environment; access to nature; play; sense of safety and security; positive school ethos; being listened to; friendship; and choice about uniform, These findings were used to inform local authority policy and development of training in whole school nurture.