The effect of school climate: how feelings of safety and belonging support learners' achievement

Abstract

School should be a place where learners feel safe and where they belong, so they can learn effectively and thrive academically. 'School climate' is a widely used term that generally refers to the quality and character of school life, not just for learners but for all members of the school. Researchers have found strong links between school climate and learner behaviour problems like absenteeism, bullying, aggression and victimisation. In recent years, school climate has been targeted for improvement for promoting learner well-being and thus academic success. Therefore, it is vital to understand school climate, not just as a concept but how it relates to learners' achievement.