When faced with the challenge of improving attendance at Gladstone State High School, Year 8 teacher and Year Coordinator Dave McMaster found inspiration in an unexpected place—McDonald's.
Motivated by the fast-food chain’s popular 'Monopoly' promotion, Dave created a system where students received tokens, such as small red or green houses, for being present at the start of the day.
Once students collected three tokens of the same colour, they could enter a prize draw in weeks 5 and 10 for a chance to win Lego packs, sports prizes or even a Nintendo Switch.
'We were discussing ideas with our principal about improving whole-school attendance because our numbers had dropped slightly in Term 1 compared to previous terms' said Mr McMaster.
'Over 870 students participated in the initiative, which led to an overall improvement in attendance and created a noticeably positive school atmosphere'.
Mr McMaster is known for his 'positive attitude and boundless energy,' which he says stems from a background in drama.
'I thrive on finding innovative ways to bring ideas to life and take great joy in watching students engage and flourish through these imaginative challenges,' he said.
'In a recent Year 12 ancient history class, I pretended to be Julius Caesar, and the students had to solve Caesar’s murder, while I just stayed still and they investigated. After a few minutes, I gave them clues, and they worked together to solve it around me'.
As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school, Gladstone State High prioritises initiatives that reward and encourage positive behaviour and attendance.
Mr McMaster’s creativity energises these events, turning them into memorable experiences like a recent PBL Rewards Evening with a 'Haunted Hospital' theme. This after-hours event was the school's largest, involving 140 students and utilising an entire floor of classrooms which were turned into a hospital for an interactive walkthrough experience.
Stacey Josh, Gladstone State High School Deputy Principal, said what makes Mr McMaster exceptional is his ability to bring all staff on board with his ideas.
'His enthusiasm and incredible work ethic inspire the other Year Coordinators and Heads of Year. Dave gives up so much of his time and resources to bring these ideas to life—it's truly a passion for him,' she said.
'His efforts remind us all why creativity and collaboration are so important in education. Our students are the lucky ones who reap the rewards'.
Five ways to bring creativity into Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL) events: Inspired by Dave McMaster's approach
1—Transform spaces into immersive worlds
Take inspiration from Dave's escape rooms, where classrooms were transformed into immersive escape room experiences such as a laboratory, an Egyptian pyramid, or a spaceship. These creative settings captivate students and provide a memorable environment for collaboration and fun.
2—Incorporate theatrical elements
Use drama techniques to bring lessons to life. Dave’s role-play scenarios, like solving Caesar’s murder, engage students through storytelling and problem-solving, making learning exciting and interactive.
3—Reward participation with fun activities
Reward good attendance and behaviour with engaging events that double as unique learning opportunities. For example, Dave's halloween haunted house experience turned classrooms into a spooky walkthrough event, where drama students acted as characters.
4—Emphasise teamwork
Design activities that focus on capabilities such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Escape rooms, for instance, encourage students to work together to solve challenges while stepping outside the traditional classroom structure.
5—Iterate and adapt for maximum engagement
Reflect on past events to improve and keep things fresh. Dave plans to adjust the Whole School Attendance Monopoly initiative based on feedback, shortening the program to maintain excitement.