As part of our School Development Plan for the scholastic years 2008 – 2010, we have embarked on a special programme during which our goal is to promote 
self esteem, respect towards others and the general promotion of good behaviour. We based the programme on the Quality Circle time which was established by Jenny Mosley. The Quality Circle Time model is a whole-school approach to setting up and maintaining a positive school management system to:
- promote positive behaviour
- create a caring and respectful school ethos
- help children develop their self-esteem and self-confidence
- provide efficient and effective systems and support for all staff
- create great lunchtimes and playtimes
- nurture the creativity in all people in school
Circle Time – The Basics
Quality Circle Time (QCT) is a democratic and creative approach used to support our teachers and other professionals in managing a range of issues that affect the whole learning community. Teaching staff, children, support staff and parents are to be actively involved.
QCT has proved successful in promoting better relationships and positive behaviour, two of the most effective improvements to both learning and the smooth and harmonious running of a school.
The QCT model involves a commitment from our school to set up an ongoing process of Circle Meetings for children, at which the key interpersonal and organisational issues that affect school development can be addressed. The sessions for children may be easily linked to the PSD curriculum, and often consist of weekly meetings lasting half an hour where children sit in a circle.
QCT meetings for children involve carrying out activities, games and the practice of speaking and listening skills.
The key elements in the model:
- Improving the morale and self-esteem of staff and pupils
- Listening systems for children and adults
- The Golden Rules: a system of behavioural rules for children
- Incentives: a celebration to congratulate the children for keeping the Golden Rules.
The aims and objectives
At the heart of the Circle Time Model is a class meeting which involves the whole class sitting in a circle once a week to look at issues relating to personal, social, moral and health education. The circle meetings aim to encourage the development of positive relationships, self-discipline, conflict resolution, assertive communication and democratic group processes alongside the skills of speaking, listening, observing, thinking and concentrating.
The Initiative
The process of Quality Circle Time is delivered through a highly structured group listening system and is timetabled weekly. Children meeting in a circle engage in exercises, games and discussions designed to promote trust, respect, empathy and understanding which offer participants the security and freedom to explore issues and find ways forward.
Circle Time follows a clear structure over half an hour:
1) Opening game – pulls the group together, provides a sense of fun and enjoyment, used to teach learning skills, moral values and codes of conduct
2) Round – gives everybody a chance to speak. A speaking object such as a soft toy can be used to enable a focus on the speaker and indicate that all others must listen. It is this section of Circle Time where scripted sentences are often used. Examples might include:
- I find it easiest to work in class when…
- I get fed up when…
- I was pleased with myself when…
3) Open Forum – an open, free discussion phase which can be used to discuss and solve problems and set targets
4) Celebration of successes – a chance for pupils to thank others, both children and adults, for acts of kindness etc. during the past week
5) Closing game or song – brings a sense of closure and bridges into the next part of the school day
The structure is designed to build a sense of class community and the teacher acts as a non authoritarian facilitator, encouraging co-operation and creating a climate of emotional safety.
Other essential elements of the process include:
Golden Rules – a core set of values. All members of the school were involved with the discussion and establishment of these rules and all classes were issued with a copy. The rules are displayed in every classroom and on a special notice board in the school corridor. The six Golden Rules cover respect for people, property and work and are explicitly taught through Circle Time activities. They are:
ö Do be gentle Don’t hurt anybody
ö Do be kind and helpful Don’t hurt peoples feelings
ö Do listen Don’t interrupt
ö Do look after property Don’t waste or damage it
ö Do be honest Don’t cover up the truth
