Programs and Workshops

Aussie Optimism comprises six classroom-based programs, each developmentally appropriate for the different year levels.

Aussie Optimism is based on psychological and educational research into the risk and protective factors associated with psychological difficulties, and anxiety and depression in particular.

The program focuses on developing competencies, resilience and practical skills, and was designed to be run by the teacher in the classroom with all children. The ten modules are ideally run once a week for the whole term.

To make implementation easy in schools, the programs are mapped to the National Curriculum and the Western Australian Curriculum for Health and Physical Education (HPE). The I Spy Feelings program for Kindy and Pre-Primary is also aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

WORKSHOPS

Teachers complete workshops before implementing the program in class. There are currently a number of different workshops available, and all workshops are designed to enable teachers and school staff to implement the Aussie Optimism programs effectively and with confidence.

The workshops provide background information on mental health and mental health promotion, as well as information about program content and implementation. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice activities from the program, so you feel ready to use them in class.

We offer several workshops at Curtin University each year, and our dedicated trainers in the Department of Education, Catholic Education WA (CEWA), and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) are also able to train staff at your school. Please contact us to find out how to organise workshops at your school.

Training options for primary school staff currently include:

Whole School Workshop: An inclusive workshop designed for all staff in primary schools - ideal for schools wishing to implement the Aussie Optimism Program as a whole-school intervention. This workshop provides important background information about mental health, the Aussie Optimism Program and how to implement it in schools. Workshop participants actively learn about the programs that are suitable from Kindy up to year 6. Different levels of accreditation are available for teaching and non-teaching staff.

Training options for high school staff currently include:

• Social Life Skills (Years 5-6) and Optimistic Thinking Skills (Years 7-8): 6-hour workshop covering background information and exploration of both programs, resources and activities as well as implementation issues relevant to the Social Life Skills program and the Optimistic Thinking Skills program.
• Optimistic Thinking Skills (Years 7-8): 6-hour workshop covering background information and in-depth exploration of the program, resources and activities and implementation issues relevant to the Optimistic Thinking Skills program.

SELECTING A PROGRAM

Firstly, identify the program that is developmentally appropriate for your students. For example, if your students are in year 4, the Positive Thinking Skills Program is most appropriate.

Secondly, consider the needs of your students. If you are teaching years 7 or 8 and have noticed that your students are making a lot of negative comments about themselves, start with Optimistic Thinking Skills. If social skills development is in greater need, start with Social Life Skills.