Year 9 Achieve News
On Wednesday 31 July, the Year 9 Achieve students participated in a full-day program aimed at empowering them to be positive influences in their world.
The Academy for Enterprising Girls is an innovative entrepreneurship program supported by the Australian Government. The program seeks to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and job-makers and is designed to cultivate young women's skills in design thinking, technology and business. Most importantly, it’s fun!
The Year 9 girls were able to build confidence in solving problems and develop an understanding of the many opportunities that are open to them as future leaders and entrepreneurs. It was wonderful to see the smiles and feel the energy in the room as they worked together to create solutions to social problems such as 'doom scrolling', loss of community connections and poverty.
The Year 9 boys engaged in a SEED (Self-Esteem Education and Development) Workshop. The activities were aimed at enhancing self-esteem, positive body image and respectful relationships. The students were challenged to become critical consumers of advertising and media messaging, to develop healthy relationships with friends and peers, and to take the reins in their own lives so that they may thrive as young adults. The Year 9 boys were asked to comment on the day anonymously:
"I thought this would be boring but it was good, especially the relaxation part. I learnt about advertising, gender stereotypes, consent, the importance of sleep, and how to manage stress."
"I liked the hands-on activities the best. I learnt how to accept my emotions, and I also adjusted my idea of masculinity."
"This workshop was excellent and I loved talking about the hugging. I don't have a best bit as it was all great. I learnt about self-confidence, consent, handling relationships and how to reduce stress".
"These workshops were really informative and I found them all very good. I especially liked the role-play because it was funny to watch. I learnt stats about mental health, about consent laws, dating tips, and stress".
Mrs Melinda Naughton
Achieve Program Learning Leader
