Year 11 VCAL

Self-defence course for Year 11 VCAL students

Our Year 11 VCAL students participated in a 10 week self-defence course run by the Winged Dragon.  The workshops are designed to build confidence, resilience, self-esteem and physical strength in our students. Through a range of practical skills, the class was taught the ability to effectively resist unsafe and threatening behaviour such as bullying and harassment.

The program’s emphasis was on how to avoid dangerous situations with a sensible mindset; the fundamental message being to always respect oneself and others.

Each lesson focused on four principles: Awareness, Confidence, Assertiveness and Skills. Each of these principles plays an integral part in how we approach different situations.  First, an awareness of one’s physical environment is critical to avoid situations before they start.  Second, each situation must be approached with confidence, demonstrating self-belief in success. Third, you have to show assertiveness. This is done from an awareness of body language and other non-verbal cues. It is important however not to confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.

The final principle was to teach students some hands-on techniques, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Ms Vicki Handris

VCAL