Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Passport
The Smith Family’s Passport program prepares students for the important move from primary school to high school through the opportunity to increase their skills, knowledge and attitude to manage the step up to a new learning environment.
The challenge
The move from primary to secondary school can pose a number of major changes for children. Those most at risk of a poor transition include children from low socio-economic backgrounds. It is an important crossroads as young people move from a small, self-contained classroom to a larger school with increased expectation of independent academic performance and less teacher support. In addition, there are significant changes in the peer group with concerns about social acceptance often causing a loss of self-esteem, a decline in academic performance and rising anxiety and depression levels.
This transition brings with it changes that can have positive or negative effects on students, hence transition to secondary school is a social and academic turning point for adolescents. Research indicates that well-planned and implemented transition programs can support students, their families and even school staff in the process of moving. Students who are prepared for this change are more likely to transition successfully to the next stage of their education.
How the Passport program works
Over six hours of program delivery, students learn skills that will assist with the increased school work load including time management, planning, goal setting, motivation to engage with learning, and increase their knowledge about what to expect in high school.
Students have the opportunity to raise their concerns and hear from a secondary student about their high school experience.
Students have the opportunity to raise their concerns and hear from a secondary student about their high school experience.
The program is delivered by trained facilitators to students in school time over a transition period at the end of primary school. Potential outcomes for students could be enhanced by the schools aligning other transition activities with this program, such as high school visits. To support the transfer of student outcomes to the home, program materials sent to the student's parents.
The target group for this program is students who are preparing for the move to secondary school and their parents. The program is structured so that students and parents develop a skill set and knowledge which enables them to take-away their learning and apply it at home and in high school.
The target group for this program is students who are preparing for the move to secondary school and their parents. The program is structured so that students and parents develop a skill set and knowledge which enables them to take-away their learning and apply it at home and in high school.
Key program outcomes
Students who participated in this program reported:
- 83% stated Passport helped them learn skills that would help them in high school.
- 82% of students increased their knowledge and understanding of high school.
- 79% of students improved their time management skills.
- 76% of students reported they were more positive about the move to high school.
- 64% of students improved their homework management skills.
I think Passport has given the students a greater understanding of different aspects of High School… homework, study, life balance, programs etc.
Teacher reflections
- 76% thought Passport added value to other school transitions activities.
- 71% reported most or all of their students’ study skills were positively influenced by participating in Passport.
- 81% reported most or all of their students’ ability to engage with others was positively influenced by participating in Passport.
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.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
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.