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Plumpton High School’s reputation for excellent classroom management is no accident – the tone is set in every class from day one.

Calm and settled classrooms work for students and staff at the busy school - and word of their success is spreading well beyond Western Sydney.

The Centre for ����vlog���� Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) features Plumpton’s classroom management in the latest What Works Best Illustration of Practice.

In 2026, Year 7 students such as Beau Dietrich and Estella Lee have already benefited from the school’s O Week traditions, when each teacher explicitly explains what is expected in their classes.

From learning to stand calmly behind their laboratory chairs before the whole science class is seated, to understanding techniques to boost their own wellbeing, Plumpton classroom leaders leave little room for doubt.

In a school of about 1200 students, Beau is grateful for the clear guidance.

“I would not want to have a loud, annoying classroom, with people yelling out every two seconds,” Beau said.

“It would not feel right. It teaches you respect. I really think it helps with our wellbeing.”

The tone is reset for the whole school in the first week of the year, but the O Week tradition is particularly important for Year 7s, who are navigating multiple new subjects and teachers.

Estella was interested to learn each class had a similar, but tailored set of expectations.

“You have to be very cautious in science; there could be lots of equipment,” Estella said.

“We have to stand behind our chairs before sitting; it has lots of discipline.

“All the teachers are really clear with expectations and everyone learns the rules.”

Estella welcomed the focus on wellbeing in O Week, learning she “could always ask someone for help”.

Principal Tim Lloyd says a whole-school focus on wellbeing and high expectations is at the heart of effective classrooms.

He has seen the long-term benefits of appointing two positive psychology teachers to each year group, rather than a typical year advisor.

“Not only do they look after the pastoral care of the Year 7 students individually, they also teach our positive psychology program as part of the curriculum,” Mr Lloyd said.

“This happens once a week for Year 7 and is a combination of Choice Theory, Positive Psychology, Growth Mindset, Restorative Practice and Resilience In Our Teens (RIOT).

“It is a curriculum we have built since 2015 and we continually revise and update it and deliver it explicitly to students.”

Teachers such as Monique von zum Hof know starting high school can be “a struggle and a challenge”.

“Having face-to-face interactions in classrooms, rather than whole-school assemblies, helps us build relationships and rapport and provides the intensive support they need,” Ms von zum Hof said.

“In our positive psychology class this week we covered what is anxious behaviour, versus anxiety, and how we can assist with resilience.

“We introduce them to the wellbeing framework, get to know them and ensure their transition is as smooth as possible.”

Mr Lloyd said the school holds an Ignite Unite day, where Year 7 students join activities with Year 11 house captains and positive psychology teachers to build “sense of belonging and school spirit”.

According to CESE’s Illustration of Practice, clear frameworks also benefit new teachers at Plumpton.

“Time and resources are committed to developing beginning teachers’ knowledge and skills in confidently implementing classroom management strategies,” CESE explains in What Works Best.

“Teachers are supported to use a system of behavioural supports and strategies in the classroom to reinforce students’ positive behaviour.”

CESE’s Executive Director, Policy and Evidence, Jennifer Buckingham, has welcomed the publication of the latest What Works Best resources.

“Plumpton High's approach to ensuring student and teachers have settled and productive classrooms is a great example of application of the evidence on positive behaviour strategies,” Dr Buckingham said.

Visit CESE’s What Works Best 2025 Illustrations of Practice page to learn more about Plumpton High School and other schools.

CESE has also recently released an updated evidence guide and practical guides for each of the 8 What Works Best practices. Learn more about What Works Best.