University of Melbourne Wins Tender to Develop Student Resilience Framework

The University of Melbourne logo (Photo: Wikipedia)

on Premier of Victoria - Denis Napthine: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/8824-university-of-melbourne-wins-tender-to-develop-student-resilience-framework.html 

Victorian students will learn how to make good decisions, when to ask for help and develop relationship and self-awareness skills through a new set of resources being created for schools.

Minister for Education Martin Dixon said the Victorian Coalition Government was partnering with the University of Melbourne to develop a Resilience Framework to support schools in teaching life skills.

"Education is more than teaching numbers and words - it's about preparing students for life during and after school," Mr Dixon said. "Victorian schools already have a strong wellbeing focus - making sure every student is supported to succeed at school.

"The Resilience Framework takes the next step - teaching students how to make good decisions when faced with life's challenges."

The Resilience Framework is an online resource that brings together a range of social, well-being and health resources in a one-stop-shop for schools.

The framework covers education about drugs, sexuality, respectful relationships, health promotion and developing social and emotional skills which are critical to improving academic performance and success in life.

University of Melbourne project leader Associate Professor Helen Cahill said the university was excited to be developing a key resource for Victorian students. "The Resilience Framework will equip educators with evidence-based approaches to promoting social and emotional wellbeing and health education in Victorian schools," Dr Cahill said.

"The University of Melbourne has extensive experience in developing resources for Victorian schools, including "Get Ready", a drug education resource for secondary schools."

Mr Dixon said the resources within the framework would be developed to suit different age groups. "The Resilience Framework is designed to educate students in a way they can relate to," Mr Dixon said.

"It includes resources for classroom use, for VCE and VCAL students and for parents and students to use at home. Schools can use the Resilience Framework to complement and support the discussions parents have at home with their children."

The framework will be released to schools in mid-2014.

Mr Dixon said the Resilience Framework is one of a wave of reforms in Victoria as a Learning Community to improve the wellbeing of students and staff at Victorian schools.

"The Victorian Coalition Government wants all Victorian schools to be safe, supportive and inclusive places, and that is why we are rolling out a raft of new resources, programs and supports for schools."

"With our Victoria as a Learning Community reform agenda, Victoria is taking the next steps in creating a learning community to make our school education even better." The new resources will also include:

• Managing Challenging Student Behaviours professional development for teachers;
• School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support grants program;
• An online toolkit for principals, including advice and resources on how to effectively deal with aggressive parent behaviour.