Research and Case Studies
Helping students feel they belong at school
At our school, we understand how important it is for every student to feel a genuine sense of belonging. Recent research led by the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, has highlighted some key ways that schools like ours can support this important goal.
The research gathered feedback directly from students across primary and high schools to identify what makes them feel connected and included. Here’s what the students shared:
For Primary School Students:
- Enjoying student-centred sports and extracurricular activities.
- Building positive relationships with teachers.
- Feeling part of a school culture that celebrates shared values and achievements.
For High School Students:
- Having the freedom to choose subjects and learning options that reflect their unique interests.
- Taking part in student advocacy and leadership roles.
- Accessing extracurricular groups and support programs that meet their needs.
Primary School Students - Sense of Belonging
These insights remind us that listening to students is essential in creating welcoming and inclusive environments. Whether it’s through sports, clubs, leadership opportunities, or supportive teacher-student connections, our school is committed to helping every student thrive and feel valued.
We encourage parents and carers to explore these ideas and support their children’s involvement in activities and roles that build belonging. We also invite students to share their voices with us so that together we can continue to make our school a place where everyone feels at home.
Temora Public School was also part of a case study in 2025 by the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation. The study highlights successful strategies to foster student belonging. You can read the case study below to see how these ideas are put into action at TPS.