A prominent part of the curriculum at Chelsea Heights Primary School is the implementation of Wilson McCaskill’s ‘Play is the Way’ program.

PLAY IS THE WAY is a social and emotional learning (SEL) methodology using:

• Physically interactive, games and activities that both require and develop personal and social capabilities as they are being played.
• Five guiding concepts that serve as a moral compass and help children to do what they believe is right and best to do. When embedded, these concepts prevent children from drowning in life and learning – hence, they are aptly called Life Raft conceptss These concepts are,
  
  • Treat others as you would like them to treat you
  • Be brave - Participateto progress
  • Pursue your personal best no matter who you work with
  • Have reasons for the things you say and do
  • It takes great strength to be sensible
• An empowering self-reflective language that helps children to master their behaviour in preparation for a responsible life in a free and democratic society.
• Six key virtues we call our Pathway To Empathy virtues. When understood, practised and habituated, these virtues result in people of strong character and empathy. The six key virtues are
  • Good manners
  • Friendliness
  • Courage
  • Persistence / Resilience
  • Tolerance / Acceptance
  • Compassion

It is a philosophy of behaviour education that fosters independent, self-managing, self-motivated, empathetic, life-long learners.

PLAY IS THE WAY gives CHelsea Heights Primary School a way to develop, improve and embed the personal and social capabilities of students and is suitable for primary school children of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds. No particular sporting or athletic ability is required to benefit from the process.

'Play is the Way' Parent Information Booklet