VCAL - Students of Steel

Sally Goss

Teacher - VCAL

Throughout Terms 1 and 2 this year, Year 11 and  Year12 VCAL students have participated in theIron Armour Program. 

This program is made up of sessions that focus on specific objectives based on student need. ​Sessions are tailored to provide tools for positive self-esteem, improved communication, goal-setting, extending social skills, developing trust, promoting stronger relationships and  strategies for conflict resolution.

Elements that students explored included: 

•  Positive Psychology:  Beginning with building rapport with other people,  setting ground rules around behaviour and , and established foundational elements of shared language and basic session structures with the students.  This session highlighted the need for positive attitude to underpin the success in learning and interpersonal relationships, explaining that a positive mindset ensures that you remains open to new experiences, opportunities and achieving success. 
• Physical Health and Wellbeing:  The physical component of the program is designed to challenge the young people both physically and mentally. It provides an opportunity to build resilience, and to approach challenging situations as a chance to learn about themselves and other. Students are encouraged to 'think outside the box', to support and champion their own strengths as well as those of their peers.

Well done to these Students of Steel who really embraced this program;  they all sought to get the most out of the opportunity as well as to enjoy and contribute to the sessions, building positive relationships with their mentors.

Sahra Nur

Year 11

  The Iron Armour program was a good thing to do because it is helping to ready me for the future. Now I know how I can achieve my dreams!

Ben Rocco

Year 12

Iron Armour was a good program It was all about improving your teamwork and communication in real life situations. It was enjoyable and liked it a lot.

Noah Saad

Year 12 

Iron Armour has helped build my confidence and my communication skills. I now feel more confident talking in a bigger groups compared to when I first started the program. 

Thanks to the coaches who helped me overcome that fear!

Sai Tangaroa

Year11

 I recommend this program for other students so they can open up, learn to work as a team and not be afraid to express how they feel to new people.

Keyra Hatziminas

Year 11 

The program is very good for personal development: how to be yourself and work with others to problem-solve.