Shared Behaviour Charter
A collaborative process in which students and staff review, co-create and commit to clear, positively-worded behaviour rules. The visible charter makes expectations predictable, reduces uncertainty and conflict, and builds trust because everyone knows what counts and what happens next.
Purpose
To create a safe, predictable school environment by agreeing on clear behavioural expectations and consistent responses. When rules are co-created and visible, students feel secure, teachers can act fairly, and the whole community experiences fewer misunderstandings and disruptions.
Use and Learning Outcomes
- 1. Clear, shared expectations reduce anxiety and conflict.
- 2. Students understand consequences and feel treated fairly.
- 3. Consistent teacher responses increase perceived safety and trust.
- 4. Students develop responsibility and self-regulation skills.
- 5. Stronger school cohesion through joint rules and visible commitments.
Wellbeing References
Details & Preparation
Room Requirements
Classroom or meeting room with space for small-group work and a visible wall/board to display the charter. Flipchart or digital board recommended. No special tech required.
Time for preparation
30 minutes
Preparation
• Gather the current school/ class rules (if any) and any recent incidents/data to inform discussion.
• Prepare blank poster paper (A2/A1) or digital template for the charter.
• Print Student Commitment Cards (one per student) and facilitator notes.
• Prepare pens, markers, sticky notes, voting dots.
• Inform staff in advance so responses are consistent across teachers.
Principles to observe
• Frame rules positively (what we do), not only prohibitions.
• Ensure student voice: co-creation increases buy-in.
• Keep rules short (5–7 core statements) and specific enough to be actionable.
• Be transparent about consistent, fair consequences and supports.
• Follow-up: published charter + review schedule.
Materials
• Large poster paper or digital slide for the Charter.
• Sticky notes (3 colours), markers, tape.
• Student Commitment Cards (printable).
• Voting stickers/dots.
• (Optional) Small laminated rule-cards for classrooms/entrances.
Sequence of Steps
Introduction
10 minutesSuggested words:
"Clear rules help everyone know what to expect. Today we create a simple charter together — short, positive, and practical. If you help create it, you’re more likely to live by it."
Collect ideas in small groups
15 minutesCluster & draft the charter
20 minutesAgree consequences & supports
15 minutesCommit & publish
10 minutesReflection & Tips
Reflection
Use a quick check at the end or next day:
• Thumbs up/sideways/down on whether rules feel fair.
• Short prompt: “One rule that helps me feel safe is…” (one sentence).
• Monthly: short survey item — “I know what to expect when someone breaks a rule” (1–5).
Tips for Implementation
• Keep language simple and visible (one-line rules).
• Use positive wording: describe desired behaviour, not only forbidden acts.
• Pair rules with concrete examples and a clear, restorative response plan.
• Involve representatives from each class for whole-school charters.
• Train staff briefly so responses are consistent.
• Celebrate adherence (short recognition rituals) to reinforce security.
Variants
• Quick review (15 min): Monthly class check-in using real examples: “What worked? What needs to change?”
• Whole-school charter day: Representatives co-create and each class adapts local posters.
Cross-references
• Class Agreements Workshop (values & rules co-creation)
• Open & Support Circle (linked when rules are broken; restorative follow-up)
• Peer Mediation / Conflict Resolution exercises
