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URSTRONG - Friendology 101

URSTRONG Pty Ltd

The Friendology 101 curriculum teaches children friendship skills to enhance their wellbeing.

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

Program delivery

Not provided

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.

Supporting resources or materials available with program

  • Manual
  • Online webinars
  • Posters
  • Workbook

Other materials

Not provided

Ongoing support

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

Parent involvement

Not provided

Origin of program

Australia

URSTRONG Pty Ltd

Program authors

Dana Kerford

Address
32 Wyona Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Phone
0450 564 107
Email
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.

Feedback sought from participants Yes
Feedback sought from instructors Yes
Groups program is not suitable for Not assessed
Training provided during study Face-to-face all instructors
Ongoing instructor support provided during study Comprehensive

Context

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

Study Participants

Upper primary (5-6)
Country of Study/s

Australia
Location of Study/s in Australia
Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations No
Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people No
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