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Behaviour Support Classroom

Since 2007 Dungarvan College has been working with the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). Our school has one of 30 Behaviour Support Classrooms (BSCs) throughout the country.

The National Behaviour Support Service was established by the Department of Education & Skills in 2006 in response to the recommendation in School Matters: The Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools (2006). At present, the NBSS is working with over 90 post primary schools throughout the country.

BSCs provide intensive, individualised support to students who may experience any number or combination of significant challenges to their learning , here they receive valuable individual attention. Students are referred to the BSC when their behaviour significantly interferes with teaching and learning in the majority of their subject classes.

"Before I thought school was boring and stupid because I was getting into trouble a lot. It is better now. Not slagging classmates as much as before and treating people with greater respect."

A Student Behaviour Plan is drawn up for each student  in the BSC that identifies the personal strengths of the student, the behaviour(s) causing concern in classes and around the school and a targeted plan of action. All Student Behaviour Plans are subject to continuous assessment and review to take account of any changes in the student's behaviour and to measure the effectiveness of the interventions provided in helping the student to achieve his/her targets.

"It has definitely kept students in school (and not permanently suspended). It helps to teach difficult students the skills they need to cope with mainstream teaching... The BSC teachers acted as mentors during and after their time in BSC classroom which gives these students an adult they can identify with. In very difficult situations these BSC teachers are often the best to help diffuse difficult situations for these students."

The NBSS intervention allows for a positive educational experience for the first time in these students' lives. By developing 'Behaviour for Learning Skills', Social and Emotional Skills', 'Academic Literacy, Learning and Study Skills' and 'Positive Health and Wellbeing Skills' students can be supported to achieve and succeed at school.