Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Learning Resilience
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- English
Target audience
- Primary school
Target groups
- Small group
Aims
The Best of Friends program gives children the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, show empathy for others, develop and maintain friendships and make good decisionsProgram theory
The program is designed to facilitate social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. SEL opportunities increase student outcomes within, and outside of, school and are linked to a range of benefits including self-regulation, better social choices, reduced conduct problems and risk-taking behaviour, decreased emotional distress and improved grades and attendance.Topics
This program presents a variety of emotional, social and relationship issues children face when interacting with each other and trying to understand themselves. Topics covered include: meeting new people, coping with change, competitive behaviours, lying, and adjusting to new social environments. Topics are delivered with a range of activities and games to develop children's skills and competencies.Cost
Program structure
There are 10 sessions. Term program: 10 weeks (a one-hour session per week).Instructor
- External facilitator
- Psychologist
- Educator
- Wellbeing leader
Instructor training
Facilitators receive 5 telephone consults (30 minutes each) with Quirky Kid psychologists in addition to online manual and lesson plan materials.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
- Online webinars
- Workbook
Ongoing support
Facilitators are able to contact the Quirky Kid Clinic for additional support, as required. Regular email updates are also disseminated to facilitators by the Quirky Kid Clinic.Parent involvement
- Attend information sessions
- Written information provided to parents
Origin of program
Australia
The Quirky Kid Clinic
Program authors
K M O'Brien
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. |
Comprehensive |
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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. |
Completely |
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. |
No |
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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. |
Assessed and reported |
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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). |
Early learning 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: 19 November 2021