Overview

Alignment with Be You Domains

Learning Resilience

Alignment with Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Children have a strong sense of identity
Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Children are confident and involved learners
Children are effective communicators

Alignment with Australian Curriculum

Health and PE

Target audience

Early learning
Primary school

Target groups

Whole school
Whole class
Small group
Individual

Aims

URSTRONG's Friendology 101 curriculum aims to enhance the social and emotional learning and wellbeing of children through friendship skills. It explicitly teaches children a common language for confidently managing conflict and creating a culture rooted in respect and kindness. URSTRONG strives to empower boys and girls with the skills and self-confidence to develop healthier relationships. URSTRONG works with parents and educators to ensure a whole-school approach.

Program theory

URSTRONG draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning's (CASEL) model of the 5 social and emotional learning competencies (self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills) to help children develop healthier relationships. The PERMA model (Seligman) is referenced and reflected throughout the Friendology 101 curriculum. The EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) underpins the F101 Junior curriculum.

Topics

The program covers topics such as developing and maintaining friendships, putting a voice to feelings, conflict resolution, respect and thinking about others' feelings, communication (e.g. active listening) and managing difficult situations (e.g. birthday party invitations, saying 'no').

Cost

Schools can purchase a licence to become a URSTRONG school: $795 . There are numerous workshops available that cater to parents, educators and students and combinations of these. For costs of URSTRONG's workshops, please visit www.urstrong.com/events/organize-an-event

Program structure

There are 8 sequential sessions (50 to 60 minutes) but this can be flexible.

Instructor

Educator
Wellbeing leader
External instructor

Instructor training

URSTRONG’s Friendology 101 educator-training is a series of 4 x 90-minute sessions online. This can also be delivered in schools as a full-day, whole-staff training event.

Parent involvement

Ongoing support

All of the above together with one-on-one support for each school context.

Supporting resources or materials available with program

Manual
Online webinars
Posters
Workbook

Location

Australia

URSTRONG Pty Ltd

Program authors

Dana Kerford

: 32 Wyona Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567

: 0450 564 107

: info@urstrong.com

Ratings

3/4 Evidence

4/4 Implementation

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?	No
Link between program description and theory of change	Comprehensive
Study design	Quasi-experimental
Independence	Completely

Summary of implementation factors

This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.

Acceptance of program by participants	Yes
Acceptance of program by instructors	Yes
Groups program is not suitable for	Not assessed
Training provided	Face-to-face all instructors
Ongoing support	Comprehensive

Context

This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.

School levels	Upper primary (5-6)
Location	Australia
Location Australia	New South Wales
Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups	Yes
Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery	Yes
Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference	No

Last updated: 24 November 2020

URSTRONG - Friendology 101