Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs School Transition Programs
We understand that the move from primary school to high school is a significant step in every student's journey. Our comprehensive Passport program is designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to manage this transition successfully.
Navigating the challenge
The transition from primary to secondary school can be a complex process, particularly for children from low socio-economic backgrounds. This crucial crossroads brings about major changes as students move from familiar, smaller classrooms to larger schools with higher expectations for independent learning. With less teacher support and changes in peer dynamics, concerns about social acceptance can lead to issues like lowered self-esteem, declining academic performance, and increased anxiety and depression.
Recognising the impact of these changes, we believe that the transition to secondary school represents a pivotal moment in both the social and academic lives of adolescents. Extensive research shows that well-structured and implemented transition programs can significantly assist students, their families, and even school staff in navigating this transition. Equipping students with adequate preparation increases their likelihood of a successful transition to the next phase of their education.
The Passport program approach
Our Passport program focusses on imparting crucial skills to help students manage the increased workload of high school. These skills include effective time management, strategic planning, setting achievable goals, maintaining motivation for learning, and gaining insight into what to expect in high school.
One unique aspect of the program is that students get to voice their concerns and interact with secondary school students who share their firsthand experiences. This real-world insight offers valuable perspectives and helps ease any anxieties about the upcoming transition.
One unique aspect of the program is that students get to voice their concerns and interact with secondary school students who share their firsthand experiences. This real-world insight offers valuable perspectives and helps ease any anxieties about the upcoming transition.
Our learning programs
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life
Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.