Strong Minds
Fostering wellbeing and resilience in primary schools

STRONG MINDS  

Strong Minds aims to enhance a school’s wellbeing culture and climate by promoting inclusion. The Strong Minds wellbeing package increases students’ sense of belonging (which can contribute to psychological wellbeing and academic outcomes) and enhances positive relationships (which impacts student engagement). Strong Minds promotes collaboration with families. and starts with ONE YEAR of staff wellbeing. The program helps students, teachers and parents to identify and grow their own strengths, and to recognise and appreciate strengths in others. This creates a positive environment, reducing stress and building resilience.

Our latest Mental Health Survey results found that Strong Minds:

WHAT OTHERS SAY…  

I loved learning about character strengths and how they can be used across the whole school K-6. This training has inspired me to implement the Growing Strong Minds program in my school starting next term.
Bilambil Public SchoolTeacher
Participating in the Strong Minds Expert PL has provided me with a solid research base in the positive psychology behind the effective implementation of the package within a school. The inclusion of strategies and proven ways to embed the language of character strengths in all areas of school life was most valuable. Spending time discussing and preparing staff wellbeing experiences to promote intrinsic motivation and positivity was extremely relevant, topical and of great value in our current climate. I feel confident and knowledgeable in delivering this package to staff and building sustainable practices into school processes, policies and practices. Thank you!
Parramatta Public SchoolTeacher
I loved learning more about the research base underpinning the program as it provided us with a stronger understanding of why this approach really enhances the wellbeing of our students, staff and parent community. The resources including the Powerpoint ensure that the quality of the training delivery supports the integrity of the program across K-6. Nicole as a presenter your delivery whether in person or on screen is just amazing and you really allow time for your participants to connect with you. You also respect the varying needs of the school community and help us to positively engage with them.
Denistone East Public SchoolDeputy Principal
Growing Strong Minds has a very strong evidence base of theory and research which will support staff understanding and benefits of the program for both staff, students and the community. The activities and resources are meaningful and practical and will be easy to apply. Thank you for your expert delivery.
Northbourne Public SchoolPrincipal, Michele Hedge
We enjoyed the balance of theory and practical applications throughout the day. We have come away from the session with a variety of strategies that we are keen to implement. The resources through the members portal are high quality and will support us well as we continue to implement Strong Minds at Westmead Public School.
Westmead Public SchoolTeacher
I appreciate the research behind the package and the fact that the presenter is a trained psychologist.
Granville East Public SchoolTeacher
This is a fantastic, evidence based, whole school, practical approach to teaching Character Strengths. Research shows that the need for such programs is increasing at an exponential rate. Growing Strong Minds is well worth the time and investment.
Carroll Public SchoolTeacher, Kate Pinn
I enjoyed learning about the different theories and motivations. I am excited to have the skills and resources to really embed this approach across the whole school with staff and students. The whole concept of Positive Psychology fits so well with our belief in helping our students to deal with challenges and provide a framework for realistic and helpful thinking.
Anonymous
A great information session thinking not only about student wellbeing but teachers too! Unpacking portal was also great! Thank you!
Anonymous
Strong Minds has the potential to not just change a school, but a whole community. Strengths have so many applications, we have integrated them into everything we do.
Burringbar Public SchoolPrincipal
I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It is worthwhile and I’m looking forward to implementing and putting the suggestions and things I’ve learnt today into practice.
Burraneer Bay Public SchoolKathryn Hannon, Teacher

POSITIVE EDUCATION

Strong Minds is a great introduction to Positive Education, it is a wellbeing APPROACH. All schools should have a wellbeing approach (as well as wellbeing programs). Programs teach valuable social emotional skills. An approach is a cultural shift, where wellbeing underpins all aspects of the school. 

People at the Strong Minds Expert intermediate workshop

Strong Minds includes

  • 2 hour professional development for all staff conducted by the school
  • One year staff wellbeing plan
  • Extensive resources for parents, including 2 x Strength Based Parenting Videos
  • A comprehensive digital manual encompassing background information regarding the theoretical basis for the package, activities to embed wellbeing across the whole school community, 56 lessons across K-6 with specified Australian & NSW PDHPE curriculum outcomes, and two scope and sequences for flexibility of delivery.
  • Extensive Resources: 4 sets of character strength posters, cards and charts tailored to each stage of learning
  • Extensive resources for embedding strengths
  • School support for Strong Minds during implementation
Strong Minds switches the brain and body from The Stress Response into Calm and Connect.

StAFF WELLBEING

In order to have a sustained wellbeing approach staff buy-in is crucial. This is achieved by commencing with staff wellbeing for ONE YEAR. Once staff have experienced the benefits to their wellbeing they will be intrinsically motivated to adopt a strength based approach with students.

Nicole Nossiter speaking at a Growing Strong Minds Expert workshop
People at the Strong Minds intermediate workshop
Nicole Nossiter speaking at a Growing Strong Minds Expert workshop

THEORY

Strong Minds is based on the theoretical principals that underpin positive psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy. It uses the VIA classification of character strengths developed by Peterson and Seligman and is based on on an applied model for positive education developed by Geelong Grammar School. This model outlines the need to ‘learn it, live it, teach it and embed it’, which means staff experience character strengths for themselves, aiming to enhance staff wellbeing, then teach it to students and finally ingrain it within the school culture. Lessons are taught in circles based on pedagogy by Professor Sue Roffey. Other influential theories incorporated into Strong Minds are Broaden and Build theory and PERMA-H.

STRONG MIND RESOURCES

Strong Minds includes the following resources:

  • A comprehensive digital manual
  • 4 x 24 character strength instructional poster sets
  • 4 x sets of 30 character strength stage specific charts
  • All staff receive an A2 Character Strength Poster
  • A Staff Character Strength Tree
  • 4 x 24 strength cards

LESSONS

The lessons consist of the following character strengths:

  • Early Stage One: Creativity, Bravery, Love, Fairness, Self-Regulation and Gratitude
  • Stage One: Curiosity, Energy, Kindness, Fairness, Forgiveness and Humour.
  • Stage Two: Love of Learning, Perseverance, Social Intelligence, Teamwork, Humility, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, and Spirituality.
  • Stage Three: Open-Mindedness, Wisdom, Authenticity, Kindness, Leadership, Prudence and Hope.

The Strong Minds lessons are implemented with the students and teacher sitting in a circle, and include a combination of pair-share, whole class, and individual exercises. Lessons are flexible in their implementation. They can be delivered as an eight week program once a week, or across the school year focusing on specific virtues – two scope and sequences are provided.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The package includes:

  • 30 min zoom training for Strong Minds Ambassadors, (2 staff volunteer to be the Strong Minds Ambassadors and drive the Strong Minds approach within the school). Ambassadors get ongoing support throughout implementation.
  • Strong Minds Character Strength Workshop – 2 hour staff professional development. This is conducted by the schools’ Strong Minds Ambassadors. It is provided in an easy to administer format of a video and 6 activities. Staff will learn how to identify, develop and spot character strengths in themselves, colleagues and students. Ideally this should be offered to all staff (i.e., teachers, non-teaching staff, cleaners etc) to ensure the culture of wellbeing permeates the whole school community. The training is compulsory for all classroom teachers, as they will be facilitating the character strength lessons, and need to have experienced implementing these strengths themselves before teaching them.
  • One year staff wellbeing focus

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS

Extensive resources are provided to schools to share with families. This includes numerous videos including Strength Based Parenting videos. This teaches parents and carers about a Strength-Based Approach, including how they can utilise the strength language in the home. Research indicates that Strength Based Parenting reduces stress levels in children and increases their ability to cope 11.Strong Minds schools may like to run a Strength Based Parenting afternoon or evening using the video resources. Specific resources on gratitude, kindness, Growth Mindset and mindfulness are also provided.

STRONG MINDS BENEFITS

  • Supports the PDHPE syllabus – a Strength Based Approach is 1 of the 5 Propositions
  • Supports the Wellbeing Framework – allows all staff and students to connect, succeed and thrive
  • Supports The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework – enhancing  school culture, increasing inclusion and belonging, collaborating with families and celebrating individual diversity 
  • Complements wellbeing programs
  • Fully resourced and scripted lessons K-6 for time poor teachers
  • Easily embedded – provides a positive shared language and extensive resources for staff and parents. The Strong Minds workshop video can form part of a schools induction so as new staff can be trained in the schools strength based approach
  • Support for parents to build resilience 
  • One year Staff Wellbeing Plan & extensive support – enhances staff wellbeing and collegial relationships
  • Evidence based – positive psychology, counteracts our Negativity Bias. Focuses on the best in staff and students – their character strengths
  • Enhance the culture in your school, increases inclusivity
  • A whole school approach
  • Included on Be You
  • Available throughout Australia 
Growing Strong Minds Character Card on a wall
People at the Strong Minds Expert intermediate workshop
Nicole Nossiter speaking at a Growing Strong Minds Expert workshop

RESEARCH

  • When we work with our strengths we:
  • Perform better 1
  • Have greater self-esteem and vitality 2.
  • Increased subjective wellbeing 3. and
  • Are more resilient 4.
  • Those that know and use their strengths effectively are more likely to be successful and have better self-discipline. Self-discipline predicts academic success better than IQ 5.
  • Character education is positively related to academic achievement 6. and learning confidence in primary school students 7
  • Character strengths are linked to wellbeing and flourishing amongst children and youth 8.
  • Character strengths enhance engagement 9. Research found that employees who utilised their strengths at work were six times more likely to be engaged in their work 10.
  • Strength Based Parenting reduces stress levels in children and increases their ability to cope 11.
  • Character strengths enhance flourishing – research found that those who were aware of their strengths were 9 times more likely to be flourishing than those that were not aware 12.

PRICE

The complete Strong Minds package consists of a one off fee of $4000.

References

1. Dubreuil, P., Forest, J., & Courcy, F. (2014). From strengths use to work performance: The role of harmonious passion, subjective vitality, and concentration. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 9 (4)

2. Wood, A.M., Linley, P.A., Maltby. J. & Kashdan, T.B. (2010). Using personal and psychological strengths leads to increases in well being over time: A longitudinal study and the development of the Strengths Use Questionnaire. Personality and Individual Differences, 50(1).

3. Govindji, R., & Linley, P. A. (2007). Strengths Use, Self-Concordance and Well- Being Implications for Strengths Coaching and Coaching Psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review, 2,143-153

4. Martinez-Marti, M.L. & Ruch, W. (2017). Character strengths predict resilience over and above positive affect, self-efficacy, optimism, social support, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12 (2)

5. Duckworth, AL., & Seligman, M.E.P. (2005). Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents. American Psychological Society, 16, 939-944

6. Benninga, J.S., Berkowitz, M. W., Kuehn, P., & Smith, K. (2006). Character and academics: What good schools do. Phi Delta Kappan, 87(6), 448-452.

7. Bernard, M., & Walton, K. ( 2011) The effects of you can do it! Education in six schools on student perceptions of wellbeing, teaching, learning and relationships. Journal of Student Wellbeing, 5, 22-37.

8. Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2006). Moral competence and character strengths among adolescents: The development and validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth. Journal of Adolescence, 29, 891-905. (c)

9. Peterson, C., Ruch, W., Beerman, U., Park, N., & Seligman, M.E.P. (2007). Strengths of character, orientations to happiness, and life satisfaction. Journal of Positive Psychology, 2, 149-156

10. Sorensen, S. (2014). How employees’ strengths make your company stronger. Gallup Business Journal

11. Linley, A., & Harrington, S. (2006). Playing to your strengths. Psychologist, 19, 86-8912. Hone, LC., Jarden, A., Duncan, S., & Schofield, G.M. (2015). Flourishing in New Zealand workers: Associations with lifestyle behaviours, physical health, psychosocial, and work related indicators. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 57(9), 973-983. 

Strong Minds Year 2  

People at the Strong Minds intermediate workshop
People at the Strong Minds intermediate workshop
People at the Strong Minds intermediate workshop

Strong Minds can be purchased as a stand alone package.

However there is also the option for Strong Minds schools to purchase further resources in the following year.

This includes:

  • Exploring Character Strengths Further. This consists of:
    • Individual and pair activities to enhance staff wellbeing
    • Character strength stations – activities for your staffroom or classroom
    • Exploration of Hope Theory and Self-Determination Theory
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Growing Strong Minds Testimonials

Find out about how participants of the Growing Strong Minds workshop have enjoyed their experience.

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