Schools are not simply giving knowledge to their students. They are, more importantly, able to shape the society and its future because of such knowledge they give. Schools introduce students to the social and cultural norms and aim to help students develop certain abilities to function in society. They do so, not only through direct lectures and discussion, but also through the climate and culture that exists within the school. Therefore, we can say that a school’s climate and culture affects the community. With such impact, it is essential that due attention be given to such factors that make up a school.
Defining School Culture and School Climate
Oftentimes, school climate and school culture are often used interchangeably. It is important to take note, however, of the different set of characteristics and components they have.
With school culture, one can grasp the “personality” of the school. This comprises its values and norms that are embedded within the school as a result of their history as an institution.
Meanwhile, the school climate is the overall “mood” of the school, determined by the feelings of the people inside regarding the school’s culture.
So, yes, these two concepts are intimately connected; the SCHOOL CLIMATE can be the indication of the SCHOOL CULTURE.
The Influence of School Culture
The values, practices, and perspectives embedded in the school culture are unknowingly but consistently introduced and applied in many aspects of a students school life.
For example, if a school has a thoughtful culture, they will ensure every student will get a chance to voice their opinion, freely. It will be encouraged in all levels of communication within the school, fostering an inclusive culture that appreciates different perspectives.
The various values of the school’s culture may be incorporated in various school activities and may be connected with each other. By doing so, school culture won’t simply be a strategy applied, but a belief or attitude that exists within the school.
The Influence of School Climate
As mentioned, the school climate is heavily influenced by the school’s culture. This, in turn, impacts students’ development.
If thoughtfulness is in a school’s culture, everyone in the school community will be affected and will be able to form relationships built on trust and respect. Research suggests that social connection can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (McLoughlin et al., 2019). Therefore, if a school culture fosters relationships built on trust and respect, the school’s climate will, in turn, promote a sound mental health.
Besides a sound mental health, a school culture built on trust and respect will create a safe school environment for everyone within the school. With safe school environments, a study conducted by Texas A&M University finds that student-reported school unsafety has a negative effect on learning outcomes. If so, feeling unsafe within the school environment defeats the purpose of schools to equip students for the real world.
Evidently, school culture may influence the mental health and the feeling of safety of everyone in the school, and the learning outcomes of the students.
Simple actions may also influence the school’s climate: the teachers’ regular and sincere motivation for each student, their continuous effort to understand each and everyone, and the teacher’s habit of giving a high-five. These simple habits boost the positivity of students and everyone else, and promote a healthy school climate, accordingly. Yes, these habits shape the character, perception, and even the learning outcomes of students.
Here in Christian Legacy such a positive climate has already been the norm
Here in Christian Legacy such a positive climate has already been the norm. This is what I have observed since the first time I entered Christian Legacy. As me and my father first walked through the entrance hallways of the school, we were greeted with smiles from the school staffs. As we continued our walk to the admin’s office, we encountered intelligent, talented, and cheerful students enjoying their time inside the school as they interacted with friends and teachers alike.
CL students will not simply survive the real-world, but also leave a LEGACY
In a limited amount of time, I was able to grasp the character-focused culture and the joyful, passionate climate of the school. Thanks to the cherished teachers within the school, Christian Legacy does not only impart knowledge, but also the values and experience valuable for students’ future. Because of this, CL students will not simply survive the real-world, but also leave a LEGACY.
Conclusion
Clearly, school culture and climate has a direct effect on the students. We can’t expect an apple from a banana tree planted, can we? Thus, good culture and climate fosters good students that will, hopefully, become the good in the society. On that account, schools must be more aware of the values and practices (school culture) they inculcate their students with. Educational institutions have to clearly define what school culture and climate is in order to make adjustments to achieve a clear, defined goal.
As they do so, they’ll slowly see changes in their school environment, students, and even teachers and school staff. But, with the fast pace of events happening around us, how fast will we see adjustments from school culture and climate?
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