Certificate in Future Oriented Learning

Airlie Washington - Head of Pastoral Care - Trinity College - private schools adelaide

Belonging and Connection: A Junior School Study

This study investigates the multifaceted nature of belonging and connection within a Junior School context at Trinity College Gawler River. 

Guided by a critical realism framework, the research acknowledges the visible and underlying influences shaping students’ experiences. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with 14 students across Early Years to Year 5, and 15 parents participated in an open-ended survey. While younger students were asked, “Tell me about when you feel happiest at school,” older students responded to, “Tell me about when you feel a sense of belonging at school.” The qualitative data were then transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.

Five core themes emerged: (1) Relationships, which highlighted the pivotal role of teacher-student rapport, peer friendships and teachers’ dispositions; (2) School Activities, with break times and communal events shaping social connections; (3) Academic Engagement, where subject-based enjoyment contributed to feelings of inclusion; (4) School Environment and Culture, emphasising the importance of physical spaces, fair play and wellbeing programmes; and (5) Creativity, underscoring students’ desire for imaginative and play-based activities. Parent perspectives confirmed the significance of supportive staff and school events in fostering a shared sense of community.

Results suggest that belonging and connection are fluid, influenced by diverse and sometimes subtle factors. Teacher warmth, timely support and opportunities for creative engagement were identified as particularly meaningful. Notably, parents placed greater emphasis on school events, while students focused more on friendships and day-to-day interactions. Although limited by a small sample size and potential overlap between happiness and belonging, these findings underscore the importance of a holistic, relational and adaptive approach in promoting connection and wellbeing in early educational settings.