Our Services
Whole School Professional Learning
All sessions can be delivered independently, or as a combination from 1.5 hours up to full days. Costs are negotiable depending on the size of the group, single or multiple presentations. This generally starts at $40 (+GST) per participant per hour at a minimum of $1500 per 1.5hour session. Travel and accommodation costs (if required) are added to presenter fees.
Session 1: The truth about 21st Century Teaching and Learners
This pre-session explores the need for educators to “move now” in truly educating children in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world. Participants will explore our newest generation “Alpha”, born from 2010, and who are currently sitting in our Kinder to Year 4 classrooms. This research based, emotive and thought-provoking insight is a must in setting up the importance on our job as “agents of change” in steering educational agenda in the right direction!
Session 2: Who You Are - Brain, Behaviour, Needs
We all have a brain, but do you really understand how it works? This workshop unpacks current discoveries in neuroscience and their application to “best practice” in educational settings and for learners at all levels. Participants will explore the workings of the brain, how this may influence choices in behaviour and, based on Glasser’s Five Basic Needs, develop understanding of why human beings may “behave” in particular ways. This workshop will also assist participants to understand, and then work with, students to become more autonomous in managing their own behaviour.
Session 3: My Job; Your Job – Building trust and respect in the classroom
During these practical sessions, participants will work on the practical application of understanding the importance of autonomy and choice – in learning and behaviour – that meets the needs of everyone in a classroom. Teachers will workshop lesson ideas, techniques and learning experiences to develop both their own understanding of the brain and behaviour, as well as for students in the classroom.
Session 4: Understanding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experience (trauma)
“We are fundamentally social creatures – our brains are wired to foster working and playing together. Trauma devastates the social-engagement system and interferes with cooperation, nurturing and the ability to function as a productive member of the clan. Yet institutions that deal with traumatised children all to often by-pass the emotional-engagement system that is the foundation of who we are and instead focus narrowly on correcting “faulty thinking” and on supressing unpleasant emotions and troublesome behaviours.” Bessel Van De Kolk (2014) The Body Keep Score. Participants will be guided through understanding the impacts of childhood trauma on the brain and why these children require unique and differentiated learning goals, strategic brain and behaviour coaching and support to help negotiate the social and intellectual demands of school.
Session 5: Profiling for educating
“the whole child”
This whole school or team-based professional learning for teachers focuses on engaging in the collection of wholistic data - creating individual and whole class profiles, developing plans and strategies to create meaningful change, and understanding the importance of individualised learning with regard to the NSW Wellbeing Framework for Schools (2015), Disability Standards for Education (2005) and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (2018). It combines trauma-aware understandings with practical strategies for demonstrating that students are “known, valued and cared for” at school.
Session 6: Growth Mindset and Self Improvement - Behaviour and Mindset
Following on from “Who You Are”, this presentation integrates the work of Carol Dweck (2008) Mindset – The New Psychology of Success with Dr Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson (2012) The Whole Brain Child and Dr William Glasser (1998) Choice Theory – A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. Participants will make connections between brain, behaviour, needs and mindset, linked to wellbeing (NSW Department of Education Wellbeing Framework for Schools). This session focuses on the importance of “failing” and making “mis-takes” in order to develop an “integrated brain”
Session 7: Focusing on Feedback – Internal Psychology and Reality Therapy
This session introduces practical skills to engage in meaningful conversations that focus on making specific, workable plans that connect, rather than disconnect, relationships. Participants will investigate the various psychological theories and current discoveries in neuroscience relate to giving and receiving feedback. This professional learning can be tailored to suit smaller teams working in educational leadership positions, to whole school learning and engagement.
Session 8: An Introduction to Dr William Glasser’s Choice Theory
As a Certified Faculty Member of The William Glasser Institute Australia, and a strong advocate of Dr Glasser’s work, participants will be introduced to the concepts and practical applications of Choice Theory in both their personal and professional lives. Participants will be guided through Glasser’s model of “How the brain works” and retrospectively consider their motivations for behavioural choices, how this can impact on personal wellbeing and relationships with others.
Twilight Session: Are You A Well-being?
(Team trivia format)
During this 2-3 hour “taster” session, participants will work in teams to engage in learning and understanding up to 8 of the following pre-negotiated topics:
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The Brain
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The Teenage Brain
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Neuroscience and its place in 21st century education
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Choice Theory
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The Basic Needs
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Total Behaviour
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Generations
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Adversity in Childhood (trauma)
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PTSD in the workplace
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Profiling the ‘whole child’
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Connecting conversations
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Relationships and feedback
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Mindset
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Sensory regulation
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Stress responses in human beings
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Emotional (feelings) literacy and emotional intelligence
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The (Karpman) Drama Triangle
Leadership
Session 1: Feedback – The Misunderstood “Superpower of Change”
These sessions follow on from Focusing on Feedback (Session 6) and can be delivered in any number of half or full day session formats including whole school, Stage, Grade or Leadership teams. stage. Participants will deepen knowledge and skills in staff feed forward conversations, student conferences, parent meetings, as well as conversations for personal change. Sessions will focus on practising coaching students and/or staff to “self manage” choices in behaviour utilising Total Behaviour coaching techniques and William Glasser’s Reality Therapy (1975) Reality Therapy – a New Approach to Psychiatry; and Choice Theory in The Classroom (1988)
Session 2: Supporting those who support others - Professional Learning for School Learning Support Officers
This half-day Professional Learning package encompasses both theory and practical applications of understanding the brain and subsequent behaviour of humans, and how to best support students (and teachers) in and out of the classroom. Participants will explore current research in trauma, brain development, Total Behaviour and their implications for learning and engagement.
Additional Workshops
CV Writing - Solving the Puzzle
This half-day Professional Learning package encompasses both theory and practical applications of understanding the brain and subsequent behaviour of humans, and how to best support students (and teachers) in and out of the classroom. Participants will explore current research in trauma, brain development, Total Behaviour and their implications for learning and engagement.
Interview Skills – Complete Conversations
This 2-hour workshop will allow participants to understand the process and purpose of an interview; review interview norms; practise answering questions to share their most authentic self with a panel.