ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All
Two books for anyone interested in a better education system
ASPIRE is an acronym
Agency, Safety, Positivity, Inclusion, Respect, Equity
Agency
When people have agency they have choices and take responsibility for making things happen. When we work with schools, classes, teachers, students or parents, we do not impose answers, but help people come to their own decisions about ways forward. We do this by providing information, guidance, ideas, evidence and supporting strategic thinking. We see our work as a co-operative endeavour.
Safety
Relationships are central to our work. In a healthy relationship everyone feels emotionally, physically and psychologically safe. Without this people cannot take risks for fear of making mistakes. Safety also implies trust. We will not offer what we cannot deliver, but may find someone who can.
Positivity
Based in positive psychology and positive education, the major focus is helping people define their vision and goals and the steps towards these – this is different from dealing primarily with problems. We explore the strengths that people, organisations and families have and build on these. We also bring a light touch into our work with the positive psychology aspects of kindness, gratitude, humour and positive communication.
Inclusion
A sense of belonging is critical for wellbeing. This means that we value diversity – everyone has something to offer. One aspect of inclusion is cooperation. To facilitate this we encourage participants in any project to get to know each other, to break up cliques, help with communication and facilitate new perspectives.
Respect
When people ask how they want to be treated by others, most say they want to be respected. When asked to define what respect means for them, they say being accepted, being listened to, not being judged, having confidences kept. We also believe that it means respecting people’s time and circumstances. Respect does not only apply to individuals, it also applies to contexts and culture.
Equity
Equity means that everyone in a project has an equal voice. No-one dominates and the aim is to come to a consensus. We appreciate that in order to ensure equity we may need to have flexibility in our approach.
Two books
Each has different discussions and
examples of best practice relevant to the age group
for Early Years and Primary
- The book demonstrates the positive difference each principle makes to children in primary school settings as well as teachers, parents and the overall community. It is a must-read for primary school teachers, tutors, school leaders, psychologists, parents and anyone who wants an education system that is inclusive, holistic and effective for all students.
- Sue Roffey presents a visionary and unique approach to education underpinned by clear principles that can be practically applied in all settings. It is aligned with healthy child development, and addresses what all children need if they are to learn and thrive, including those who experience difficulties and disadvantages. She envisages an education system fit for purpose where all pupils can thrive and make progress in learning, where wellbeing for everyone is at the heart of every school.
for Secondary Settings
- This truly accessible resource shows secondary school practitioners how to help make every child and young person feel like they really matter when they are in school, so they can develop confidence, resilience, love of learning, a positive sense of self and healthy relationships.
- Sue Roffey shows how to create a learning environment where all pupils can thrive and make progress in learning, and where wellbeing for everyone is at the heart of every school.
“Sue Roffey has written an essential book for educators across the globe. The ASPIRE principles encompass foundational pillars for the promotion of learning and well-being for all children and youth. This is a user-friendly volume with many practical applications. Teachers and educational administrators around the world will benefit greatly from the wisdom in these pages. I highly recommend it to educators, parents, psychologists, counsellors, and anyone interested in flourishing and the creation of a just and vibrant society.”
Professor Isaac Prilleltensky
University of Miami
Watch, Read, Listen
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