ABSTRACT
Without a doubt there are certain times within the academic year when stresses and tensions rise. These tensions may be associated with seasonal changes, dark days grinding slowly towards the end of a long and arduous term. We invariably associate these times with increased indiscipline as tiredness invariably takes its toll on staff and pupils. Because we have a perception of increased indiscipline, ipso facto there is – ask any member of the senior management team of any school. They can pinpoint those times when their in trays are overflowing with discipline referrals or increased numbers of pupils sent to them. It will undoubtedly feel like the wrong time to be giving these awful pupils any sort of treat, but in fact it is absolutely the right time and does have a pay-off for all the stakeholders, staff, pupils and parents. What we seek to do is to positively influence the behavioural culture at those times when it is most endangered.
