Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Mentally Healthy Communities
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Learning Resilience
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Responding Together
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Primary school
Target groups
- Whole class
- Whole school
- Other (please specify)
Program delivery
The program is made up of a combination of whole class, whole year and whole school learning and events.Aims
Gotcha4Life’s Mentally Fit Schools program is a three-year partnership that aims to help schools take action to embed mental fitness across the whole school community. With a focus on prevention, the program supports students, staff and families through simple daily habits, consistent language and evidence-based tools that make a lasting difference.Program theory
Designed by experienced educators and mental health specialists, Mentally Fit Schools is informed by the latest research, leading SEL frameworks, and the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The three mental health protective factors and program inclusions align with the 2023 Australian Curriculum Content Connections for Mental Health and Wellbeing.Topics
The program centres on building mental fitness, capacity to cope with life’s ups and downs, sense of connection and belonging and ability to seek help when we need it. Gotcha4Life supports schools to build their mental fitness by cultivating three evidence-based mental health protective factors: emotional adaptability, social connectedness and help-seeking behaviour.Cost
Program structure
The program is a supported, multi-year partnership, with each year focused on a different stage of implementation: Year 1 establishes the foundations: introducing shared language, whole-school activities, and leadership engagement. Year 2 deepens integration: strengthening classroom practice, student leadership, and family partnerships. Year 3 focuses on sustainability: embedding mental fitness into policies, routines, and leadership roles to ensure long-term impact.Instructor
- Educator
Instructor training
Attend Teacher Professional Development sessions https://www.gotcha4life.org/programs/teacher-pdSupporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
- Online webinars
- Posters
Ongoing support
Schools are supported throughout the year by a dedicated Mental Fitness Educator, including termly check-ins, coaching and advice. Gotcha4Life facilitates educator professional development and wellbeing sessions, parent webinars and workshops and student activities including assemblies, student voice projects, and workshops. Program implementation is supported by a digital resource hub, with free curriculum-aligned materials, lesson plans and videos.Parent involvement
- Attend information sessions
- Attend program sessions with child
- Online resources
Origin of program
Australia
Gotcha4Life Foundation
Program authors
A team of Gotcha4Life Educators and Subject Matter Experts.
- Level 5, 121-127 Harrington Street,The Rocks NSW 2000 Australia
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
|---|---|
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Some links |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Pre-post cohort |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
Semi |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
|---|---|
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face, all instructors, in person |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Primary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
NSW |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
No |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 20 February 2026