How long does the program run?
We recommend the program runs over eight consecutive weeks within one school term. However, we acknowledge this is not always possible - we'll try to accommodate to each school’s programming schedule. Our eight modules are delivered for 90 minutes each, in a set order to allow for a powerful learning journey.
Who is responsible for delivering the program?
Each module is delivered by two YMCA staff members, trained specifically to work with young people to deliver an engaging, experiential and child-safe program.
How much does the program cost?
A group of 30 students can participate for as little as $14 per student per module.
Are teachers or students required to do any preparation in the lead up to the program?
We ask that classroom teacher brief their students on the purpose of the program and expectations regarding behaviour and participation. Leading up to the delivery of Module 1, students will be provided with a self-evaluation booklet to reflect on prior skills and knowledge and stimulate questions relating to each module.
What teaching style or method does the facilitator use?
The learning opportunities we provide are referred to as “experiential”, a term used to describe Kolb’s Experiential Learning theory. Each of the activities featured in the modules are designed to allow students to feel, see and discover concepts through doing, rather than solely hearing about them. Students learn to unpack the learning of each game or activity with the help of the facilitators, either through stimulating discussions or personal reflection tasks.
How do incursion facilitators create a positive, inclusive, safe space for students to participate?
Our facilitators use inclusive language and actions to ensure all students feel respected and able to participate and succeed. Upon request, we will endeavour to adapt our modules or activities to cater to students with special needs.
We invite students to “challenge by choice”, meaning they can challenge themselves to a level that they feel comfortable, while feeling supported by the facilitators to take risks with their learning.
YMCA Victoria is a committed and accredited child-safe organisation. All of our facilitators execute their roles with the safety and wellbeing of your students as the priority.
Where is the program held?
Our facilitators come to you to maximise delivery time, eliminate transportation costs and reduce the workload of teachers. Our facilitators utilise indoor and outdoor spaces within the school to maintain students’ engagement and develop a feeling of familiarity and comfort among participants.
How many students can participate in the program?
In order to create a safe, open environment that encourages active participation, we deliver each module to a maximum of 30 students. If your school has over 30 students, we can provide additional facilitator teams and run sessions simultaneously in separate spaces to ensure no one misses out.
Does a teacher need to be present during the session?
We require one teacher to be present for the duration of each session, and encourage them to actively participate alongside students and manage behaviour if necessary. The classroom teacher can enhance the learning experience by assisting individuals to make meaningful connections to their home and school life.
What will the students learn?
Students develop their personal and social capability by practising self and social awareness, as well as self and social management. Each themed module assists students to reflect on how they acquire and use “soft skills” and identify areas for personal growth. The eight themes students explore include: skills and strengths, identity, responsibility, mindset and attitude, teamwork, social awareness and fairness, responding to change and leadership. Read more about the modules.
What does a Student Leadership Day session look, feel and sound like?
While our modules follow a predictable teaching sequence (tune-in activity, brief introduction of concepts, activities and debriefs and whole module wrap up and reflection), no two sessions look or feel the same. Activities encourage students to express themselves in a variety of modalities including: construction, movement, performance, illustration and presentation. Despite the diversity of our sessions and students, the sound of laughter and excitement among participants is ever present.