Evidence-based Approaches in Positive Education ― Implementing a Strategic Framework for Well-being in Schools

Based on action research and execution in a real school setting, this book provides a much-needed exploration of the implementation of positive education at a whole school level. It presents the application of a positive psychology and education approach at St Peter’s College. The College is the only school in the world that has included Martin Seligman’s PERMA as an evidence-based approach through all aspects of its strategic intent: academic, wellbeing, co-curriculum, culture, financial sustainability and infrastructure. The book captures the developments of St Peter’s College journey from being a good school to becoming a truly great school where the development of a staff and student character is as important as their intellect. The aim of the book is to share the evidence-based practice and to make a substantial contribution to the rapidly developing field of positive psychology and its application in schools.

Mathew A. White Ph.D., is Director of Wellbeing & Positive Education at St Peter’s College, Adelaide, Australia. Mathew serves on the Senior Leadership Team of St Peter’s College, Adelaide. He graduated PhD from the University of Adelaide and completed residential studies at The Principals’ Center Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mathew is Senior Fellow in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education - The University of Melbourne and Affiliate in Cambridge University’s Wellbeing Institute. His work focuses on leadership, cultural change, and wellbeing. He has lectured at the Universities of Oxford, Melbourne, Pennsylvania and Bath. His publications appear in Journal of Positive Psychology,International Journal of Wellbeing, Psychology and International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry.Mathew has presented to the Governor’s Leadership Foundation, South Australian Government’s Executive Services Leadership Program and the Positive Education Summit & Round Table on Wellbeing at No. 10 Downing Street. He has counselled Catholic education, government systems, independent and Lutheran schools on applications of wellbeing. Mathew represented St Peter’s College as lead partner in Dr Seligman’s appointment as Thinker in Residence - Department of the Premier and Cabinet for the Government of South Australia. He is a member of the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre Education Committee – South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Academic Advisory Board – Positive Psychology Centre – University of Melbourne, Course Advisory Group – TAFE-SA, and Academic Committee – St Mark’s College, Adelaide.

A. Simon Murray is the 14th Headmaster of St Peter’s College, Adelaide – one of Australia’s oldest independent schools, with over 1385 students and 220 staff. He has had 30 years of leadership experience in education. Prior to his appointment to St Peter’s College, Simon was Headmaster of Canberra Grammar School and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. Simon was elected Chair of Association of Heads of Independent School of Australia from 2009 – 2011, representing over 390 member schools. He is a past Board member of the Independent Schools Council of Australia. He was appointed a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators in 2008 for his leadership in the independent school sector. Simon is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Simon has presented at national and international conferences on wellbeing, leadership, cultural change, and future directions in education. He was the St Peter’s College representative for Dr. Seligman’s role as Adelaide’s Thinker in Residence – Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Simon was one of thirty leaders in education invited to participate in a Positive Education Summit on Wellbeing at 10 Downing Street. He is the foundation Chairman and a board member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), a board member of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), a council member of Adelaide’s largest residential university college, St Mark’s College, and an appointed member of the diocesan council in the Anglican Diocese.