Is Positive Education an Appropriate Framework for Student Wellbeing in Anglican and Other Christian Schools: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

This literature review investigated potential problems associated with the uncritical implementation of a Positive Education approach to student wellbeing in the context of Anglican (or other Christian) schools. Six themes were considered in turn, drawing on a wide range of literature from the fields of education, philosophy, psychology, sociology and theology. These themes are as follows: 1. Distinctives of Anglican education in Australia; 2. Holistic education and the good life; 3. Understanding student wellbeing and flourishing; 4. The need for student wellbeing programs in schools; 5. Student wellbeing, Positive Psychology and Positive Education; 6. Is Positive Education compatible with a Christian worldview. The paper concludes that Positive Education programs, including PERMA and the VIA Character Strengths, ought to be critically considered and carefully adapted before implementation in Anglican or other Christian schools.