PERMA-V

PERMA-V: Te anga toiora

PERMA-V is the St Andrew’s College framework for well-being. Created by Professor Martin Seligman (2011), PERMA-V acknowledges the five building blocks to human flourishing. In this model, well-being is understood as being more than experiencing positive emotions and feeling happy. This model underpins our Positive Education philosophy.

Positive Emotion

Positive emotions have a broadening effect on our thoughts and actions. They allow us to discard automatic responses and instead look for creative, flexible, and unpredictable new ways of thinking and acting. Positive emotions are strongly correlated with both resilience and well-being. Emotions are contagious, and we know positive emotional states are conducive to building strong relationships.

Engagement

Engagement occurs when we employ our skills and strengths to meet a challenge. When we are engaged, we focus our attention on a task and are at one with the moment. At St Andrew’s College, setting challenges and cultivating engagement is what we aspire to every day. Whether it is in the classroom, the stage, or the sports field, we want our young people to feel engaged in life.

Relationships

Relationships are fundamental to well-being. The experiences that contribute to well-being are often amplified through our relationships, for example, great joy, meaning, laughter, a feeling of belonging, and pride in accomplishment. Connections to others can give life purpose and meaning. We want our young people to have the space to create and build lifelong relationships with their peers and teachers. Our young people flourish when they are seen and valued.

Meaning

Having a sense of meaning and purpose occurs when we serve something bigger than ourselves. We know that cultivating connections to others, identifying and working toward a purpose, telling stories about our place in the world, and making a contribution beyond ourselves can immeasurably deepen our lives and our well-being. At St Andrew’s, our ultimate goal is to influence young people who will use their strengths to make a positive contribution to the world.

Achievement

Human beings have a basic need to feel they are growing and making progress in life. We like to feel we are achieving our goals and moving forward. At St Andrew’s College, we take this pillar very seriously and know the importance of providing our young people with feedback that motivates them to strive towards their personal goals.

Vitality

Research shows us that vitality is integral to our well-being. Our ability to sleep deeply, eat well and exercise regularly has a significant impact on all other elements of well-being. Maintaining physical vitality is essential for building resilience and bouncing back through adversity and challenge.