The Ready to Learn Process

Mackay Christian College utilises the Responsible Thinking Process (RTP) founded on the Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) to help guide our behavioural education strategies. A Ready to Learn Centre (RTLC), supported by a team of Facilitators, is accessed by students to help them learn how to modify their behaviour. We believe that behaviour is a concept that is taught just like any other subject and sometimes students need time and space to get their head around the impact of their behaviour. RTLC is such a space.

One of the misconceptions about RTLC is that it is for ‘naughty’ students and is therefore a punishment and detention room. This is not true; rather the RTLC is a space to reflect and learn responsibility, self-control and devise strategies for positive life choices.

The Ready to Learn Process (based on Edward Ford’s Responsible Thinking Process) works when teachers can give those students, who are disruptive or unsafe, the opportunity for self-reflection in a non-controlling and supportive environment. Students who act as disturbances in the classroom or playground, need to develop the skills required for getting along with others and following the rules.

• RTL is designed to help students consider what they would like to achieve without violating the rights of others

• RTL is a form of behaviour education; it is not about control or management.

• Students may be referred to speak with an RTLC Facilitator if they are continuously choosing to disrupt or be unsafe in the classroom or playground.

• If students are referred to the RTLC they are at the point of being disengaged from learning, the process is designed to assist the child to refocus and reengage.

• It is designed to look at the whole student.

• RTL is designed to EMPOWER teachers.

• RTL exists to RESTORE relationships.

• RTL informs college and parents.

• RTL takes a COLLABORATIVE approach to behaviour education.

Students may also be referred to RTLC to utilise the “Chill space”. CHILL’ is a space in the RTLC room made available to all Junior School Students. The purpose of this room is for students to have some time away from other students, self-regulate and re-focus, while being monitored and supported by Ready to Learn & Learning Enrichment Support staff. Generally, students will spend ten minutes in the ‘CHILL’ space before being prompted to return to class to ensure minimal classroom learning is missed. ‘CHILL’ is a positive choice, and we encourage students to continue choosing to use this space when they feel the need.

Right-relationships is one of the foundations of Christian education. Creating, fostering and strengthening a heart-to-heart connection between staff & student, and student & staff, is how we achieve the best outcomes for our students. RTL is the process that has been implemented to ensure that right relationships remain the culture of Mackay Christian College.