The School Focused Youth Service Programs (SFYS) is funded by The Department of Education and available across Wadawurrung, Gulidjan and Gadubanud countries (Geelong, Surfcoast, Bellarine & Colac-Otway regions). All government and non-government schools may be eligible to gain support for cohorts of their school community who are at risk of disengaging from education.
Coordinators work collaboratively with schools to identify their needs and develop targeted programs to support students, families and schools. The coordinators are there to assist you with project development, reporting and evaluating throughout.
SFYS agencies are committed to evidence-based strategies to improve the outcomes for at-risk young people.
To organise a School Focused Youth Service Program for your school contact us for a chat.
What do School Focused Youth Service Programs Look Like?
BATForce has developed hundreds of programs over the years. As long as the program fits the guidelines we can work with your school to tailor a program to fit, or purchase a pre-existing program that will best meet the needs of your school community.
Examples of previously funded School Focused Youth Service Programs include:
Activate Program
Year level 5 to10 | 6 Weekly Sessions | One Term only
Focus – Using Physical Activity to Support Mental Health
Increase students physical activity levels promoting better social connections and positive mental health and wellbeing.
This program is run as interactive group fitness sessions that increase communication skills and social connections.
Fit 2 Lead
Year level 5 to 8 | 6 Weekly Sessions per Term | Up to a Full Year
Focus – Using Physical Activity to Increase Resilience and Better Self-Regulation
Increase students’ resilience and confidence in persisting through challenges by encouraging a positive and student-centred approach to physical activity.
A staff PD session on ‘Physically Active Schools’ makes up part of this program.
Yoga Project
Year level 5 to 9 | 8 Weekly Sessions per Term | Up to a Full Year
Focus – Using Yoga and Mindfulness to Support Mental Health
Yoga & Mindfulness sessions aimed at improving self-regulation skills with a focus on; learning about the brain, developing body awareness, learning tools to support students at times of stress or when they are experiencing anxiety.
A staff PD session along with a parent session can be made part of this program.
Jenga Project
Year level 6 | 4 Weekly Sessions | One Term
Focus – Hands on Group Project Exploring Emotions, Connections & Transition
Using the vehicle of building a ‘giant Jenga game’ students have the chance to explore self, identify emotions and connect with peers and school. Self-regulations strategies are introduced through the learning of simple grounding techniques.
A short and sharp project ideal for re-engagement back to school or to explore transition anxiety.
The MAT Program
Year level 5 to 9 | 8-10 Weekly Sessions | Up to Two Terms
Focus – Improving Mental Wellbeing & Regulation of Emotions
This program combines the principles of mental wellbeing and emotional regulation with those of therapeutic martial art training techniques, games, metaphors and stories.
Its format engages and empowers young people to learn life skills and to better manage the challenges in their lives.
Moulding Transition
Year level 6 | 6 to 8 Weekly Sessions | One Term
Focus – Preparing for the Transition into Secondary School and Associated Anxieties
Using Claymation to create individual short films with a story about transition. This process allows time to ‘unpack’ students own anxieties around the subject and work through possible ways to move through that anxiety and actively engage in their schooling post primary school.
The CORE Program
Year level 9 to 12 | 8 Weekly Sessions | Up to Two Terms
Focus – Improving Emotional Regulation, Self Control & Self Esteem
A program where participants are empowered to find, build & live their core values by using a series of structured of PE strength-based activities.
Schools must have gym and weight access.
Tools to Launch
Year level 6 to 7 | 8 week program | One Term
Focus – Small Group Activity Based Support for Deregulated Behaviours
This program has been designed for students who are experiencing heightened anxiety and deregulated behaviour due to transitioning to secondary school compounded by remote learning.
Activity-based workshops designed for students who are experiencing anxiety and disengagement. Sessions look at exploring ways to manage anxiety, emotions, positive self-talk, strategies for regulating behaviour, risk taking and creating positive community connections.
Active Girls 4 Life
Year level 5 to 10 | 6 Weekly Sessions per Term | Up to a Full Year
Focus – Using Physical Activity to Increase Resilience and Better Self-Regulation
Increase girls resilience and confidence in persisting through challenges by encouraging a positive and student-centred approach to physical activity, whilst increasing the retention and engagement of young girls in sport and recreation.
Staff PD session on ‘Physically Active Schools’ is part of this program.