Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
-
Learning Resilience
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- English
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Individual
- Small group
- Whole class
Aims
Personal Leadership Program aims to improve the wellbeing of secondary school students and reduce their risk of developing a mental health disorder. Typically, the program works with students at risk who may be experiencing disengagement or disadvantage, or obstacles associated with bullying, low self-esteem, anxiety, family dysfunction and poor school engagement. The program aims to reduce the risk factors associated with school engagement, wellbeing and mental health.Program theory
The program is drawn from a range of psychological theory: social Learning theory, motivation and goal planning theory; positive psychology, including the PERMA wellbeing framework, and cognitive behaviour theory. Programs are maintained by monitoring the latest evidence base within a continuous quality improvement framework. This function is conducted by Marshman Foundation, the research, development and evaluation arm of Youth Opportunities.Topics
The program covers a wide range of topics where complex constructs are made accessible through the use of symbolism and analogy that informs a simple toolkit. The program framework of define, discover and decide builds on the psychological underpinnings of neuroplasticity and locus of control. Topics are based on four decisions: happiness and a positive self-image, goal planning, communication skills and developing a growth mindset. Participants develop self-determination and consequential thinking to create long-term benefits in taking responsibility for their own outcomes, including how they respond to factors that are outside of their control.Cost
Program structure
Face-to-face program: One day per week for 9.5 weeks (4 sessions per day at approximately 1.5 hours per session). Blended online program: 36 modules, which can be completed flexibly, traditionally at one module per week during a double lesson, over a semester in school; can also be fully self-paced.Instructor
- External facilitator
- Educator
- Wellbeing leader
Instructor training
Prior to program implementation all delivery staff must complete accredited internal training by Youth Opportunities. Face-to-face program: 21 hours of training over 3 days. Blended online program: 8 hours of training, normally conducted over one day but can be delivered more flexibly across a short series of online sessions. Training covers topics such as program content, psychological framework, wellbeing and psychological distress measures, facilitation practice and one-to-one coaching methods.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- DVD
- Manual
- Online webinars
Ongoing support
Instructors, educators or trainers are further supported during pre-training sessions through interactive sessions and/or video instruction and pre-training notes. For the face-to-face program there is observation and feedback available, plus ongoing training via phone, webinar or online support. A Youth Opportunities-employed Child Safety Officer can be made available by phone for support in the face-to-face program.Parent involvement
Not provided
Origin of program
Australia
Youth Opportunities
Program authors
Peter Marshman and the Marshman Foundation
- 35a Oaklands Rd,Somerton Park SA 5044 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.
Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
---|---|
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 |
Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Quasi-experimental |
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.
Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
---|---|
Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face, all instructors, in person |
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.
Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Secondary school |
---|---|
Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
SA |
Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
Yes |
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. |
Yes |
Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
No |
Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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. |
No |
Last updated: 17 July 2023