Youth Leadership Program: Step Forward (Yrs 5-7) & Leading Alongside (Yrs 8-12)

Many people are critical of today’s young people. We say, let’s bring out the leadership qualities in them, and train them to be great citizens of the future.

We are pleased to offer our proven Youth Leadership Development Programs, Step Forward (5-7) and Leading Alongside (8-12) to schools, which will enable students to participate in a course on public speaking skills and leadership principles. The program is consistent with the requirements of the VELS Speaking and Listening component of English.

We have successfully delivered this course in schools, which have treated the course as an investment in school/student leadership.

We call the programs Step Forward and Leading Alongside. Our focus is on empowering students, helping them to ‘step forward’ and 'lead alongside' in skills and leadership that can be of real benefit to both the school generally and students individually. Both of us as experienced teachers are passionate about quality leadership, particularly through a coaching and speaking approach which aims to guide young people to develop valuable skills that they can apply to everyday life, and eventually to the workplace.

As registered teachers and professional trainers, we have developed and implemented a highly effective program that covers key topics in an atmosphere of fun, interactive learning and purposeful speaking.

Leadership precepts covered include:
Role modelling; listening skills; Communication priority; Vision development; Functioning from values and principles; Setting personal and team goals; Encouraging others; Lifelong learnin; Involvement of others in the purpose; Dedication to excellence; Maintenance of self-leadership and self discipline; Training for succession; Mixing in the real world

Some speaking skills that benefit students include:
Attentive listening skills; Speech structure; Gestures and body language; Vocal variety and use of language; Reading out loud; Pausing; Controlling nerves; Developing audience connections; Impromptu speaking; Lectern etiquette; Appropriate personal presentation; Incorporation of emotion into speaking for best effect; special occasion speeches: Introducing a speaker; thanking a speaker; accepting an award; and conversational proficiency, a very important social skill for daily life.

Here is an outline of the program delivery options:

Read more here...

Comments from some recent Yr 7 students:

BETH: I have gained more confidence and achieved my goal of knowing how to create and deliver an excellent speech. It was relaxed and we were all part of each session and had our say. I really liked how they didn’t just tell us but showed us what to do or not do, using examples. The biggest challenges were getting out of the habit of saying ‘um’, and trying to present a reasonable speech ‘off the cuff’. I think that I will now include my peers or people I’m working with more when I’m leading. The course was awesome!

DALE: I have become more confident in my speaking in front of a crowd. I enjoyed this learning experience, and making new friends along the way. In future, I will have confidence to run for a higher leadership position as I now have the courage to speak in front of people. This course was fun and most enjoyable.

EMMA: I have achieved better speaking and speech-making skills. This included better eye contact and hand movements when speaking. I am nowhere near as nervous when I am getting ready to speak now. I was challenged at first when talking to the group, as I didn’t know everyone. It’s great to feel better about speaking in front of people, and the sessions have made me a much better leader.

RYAN: I can now speak with much more confidence in public, and am also much better at answering off the cuff questions. However, I really enjoyed delivering my prepared speeches. I think that I will now be a better role model, because of what I have learned about leadership.

NICK: When I came into this course, I was hopeless when it came to speaking, but now that I have completed it, I can deliver a full speech easily!

JARED: I know I have become a more confident speaker and a better listener and leader. I have learned that a leader does not just take full control over everyone, but encourages others, and is also a positive role model. What I enjoyed most about this course was the friendly interaction between everyone, and the fun that we had while learning leadership and speech skills.

JAEDON: This speaking and leadership course has given me one hundred and one boosts on my people skills and courage. I really enjoyed the course. One area of challenge for me was actually writing the speeches – I wasn’t really great at it, and would put it off sometimes. As a result of this course, I have changed my attitude towards work, towards people and towards the environment.

TAHLIA: Completing this course has helped me to write a well-structured speech, how to use emotion in my speeches, and how to achieve the qualities of a leader.

Everyone was very friendly and easy to get along with. It made learning enjoyable. Some changes I will make now will be that I won’t be as selfish and will think about what other people want, not just what I want.

HANNAH: I succeeded in being able to speak confidently in front of a crowd. I liked trusting the rest of the groups and having them trust me. It made me feel comfortable and not as shy as I usually am. I found it quite a challenge to write my own speeches and getting up on stage to deliver them at first. I know that in the future, I will be more considerate and confident in leading a large or small group.

Bill Farman, President & CEO, Vantage Innovation , July 2007, says: I recently worked with a group of year 12 students at Mount Lilydale Mercy College in the preparation and presentation of a business plan. Two of the students had previously participated in the year 7 Youth Leadership program that you presented. If these two students are representative, then the key teachings from the Youth Leadership program stick like glue and offer the students long-lasting benefits. These two students stood out within the group as being clearly more confident and competent in speaking to large groups. The boys express an air of confidence when standing to speak, but most importantly, I have been most impressed with how well they structure their thoughts. It is such a pleasure to see the results of your program in action and to know that the students gain real benefits - not just in the short term but throughout their whole senior school years and, no doubt, beyond. Keep up the great work!

Professor Brian Caldwell, Managing Director, Educational Transformations Pty Ltd and former Dean of Education, University of Melbourne (1998-2004), recommends the program, saying: One of the very best things my father did during my school days was to encourage me to learn how to speak in public. I have had a range of leadership appointments and the confidence I gained in those earlier years has helped me in countless ways. I am grateful for my father’s support and the coaching I received from those who had the skills and the patience to guide me.

Magda Pisotek, Year 7 Coordinator and teacher of Mathematics and Religious Education at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, recommends this course to other schools, based on six years of observation of students participating in the program: I highly recommend this course - definitely. It provides so many features and benefits not only for the students but the school. The students’ attitude alters to a more positive approach to learning. They experience success. Students see a purpose and have a definite vision. There is greater encouragement and praise of each other. They have better communication skills generally and in writing and delivering speeches. It changes their outlook for the future and each student’s learns to self evaluate.

Thank-you for the time and effort that you and Penny gave the group every Saturday just to come out here and teach us more about speaking in public. It has been a great experience. I loved it. Mikayla, Year 7

At the start of the day, I was nervous and embarrassed but by the end of the day Geoff and Penny made me confident to do speeches and show emotion. Shannessy, Year 6

Penny and Geoff helped us to improve in our skills of being a good student leader. They helped us with the way to show respect to others when you’re talking and listening. Mark, Year 7

Here's a really interesting story from The Buis family: We first experienced this program in 2002. Our eldest child, Samantha, thoroughly enjoyed attending and we believe the program increased her confidence in public speaking. In 2003 Sam joined the debating team. In 2005 our second child, Emma, commenced year 7, and Samantha advised her to participate in the program. Emma also enjoyed it and is involved in the college debating team. In 2007, our third daughter, Jaymie, began at the college and Sam and Emma both recommended the program. Jaymie has followed in her sisters' footsteps and recently completed the course. She has also joined the debating team. All the girls have confidence in presenting orals in class and we feel the program encouraged the development of this vital skill.

Youth Leadership Program: Step Forward (Yrs 5-7) & Leading Alongside (Yrs 8-12) Many people are critical of today’s young people. We say, let’s bring out the leadership qualities in them, and train them to be great citizens of the future. We are pleased to offer our proven Youth Leadership Development Programs, Step Forward (5-7) and Leading Alongside (8-12) to schools, which will enable students to participate in a course on public speaking skills and leadership principles. The program is consistent with the requirements of the VELS Speaking and Listening component of English. We have successfully delivered this course in schools, which have treated the course as an investment in school/student leadership. We call the programs Step Forward and Leading Alongside. Our focus is on empowering students, helping them to ‘step forward’ and 'lead alongside' in skills and leadership that can be of real benefit to both the school generally and students individually. Both of us as experienced teachers are passionate about quality leadership, particularly through a coaching and speaking approach which aims to guide young people to develop valuable skills that they can apply to everyday life, and eventually to the workplace. As registered teachers and professional trainers, we have developed and implemented a highly effective program that covers key topics in an atmosphere of fun, interactive learning and purposeful speaking. Leadership precepts covered include: Role modelling; listening skills; Communication priority; Vision development; Functioning from values and principles; Setting personal and team goals; Encouraging others; Lifelong learnin; Involvement of others in the purpose; Dedication to excellence; Maintenance of self-leadership and self discipline; Training for succession; Mixing in the real world Some speaking skills that benefit students include: Attentive listening skills; Speech structure; Gestures and body language; Vocal variety and use of language; Reading out loud; Pausing; Controlling nerves; Developing audience connections; Impromptu speaking; Lectern etiquette; Appropriate personal presentation; Incorporation of emotion into speaking for best effect; special occasion speeches: Introducing a speaker; thanking a speaker; accepting an award; and conversational proficiency, a very important social skill for daily life. Here is an outline of the program delivery options: Read more here...
Email us for further details on the Youth Leadership Programs or phone Penny on 03 5998 4932. Testimonials Thank you for the privilege of your expertise today. The kids had a FABULOUS day. I already thought we had a great Student Leadership team but today confirmed it!! They were all engaged and extremely focused on every word you and Penny said. I have already had positive comments from parents & teachers - the children involved all left very happy & confident! I am so proud of the way each and every one of them rose to the challenge. Karyn, Year 6 Teacher, Christ the King PS, Geelong. We spent a day building our confidence with our facilitators, Penny Barrington and Dr Geoff Haw. We got a booklet and a certificate. It was great. Amanda, Year 6 Here is a flyer on the Step Forward 5-7 Youth Leadership Program Read more here...		Encouragement is given for great efforts: Here is a flyer about Leading Alongside 8-12 Read more here...
Comments from some recent Yr 7 students: BETH: I have gained more confidence and achieved my goal of knowing how to create and deliver an excellent speech. It was relaxed and we were all part of each session and had our say. I really liked how they didn’t just tell us but showed us what to do or not do, using examples. The biggest challenges were getting out of the habit of saying ‘um’, and trying to present a reasonable speech ‘off the cuff’. I think that I will now include my peers or people I’m working with more when I’m leading. The course was awesome! DALE: I have become more confident in my speaking in front of a crowd. I enjoyed this learning experience, and making new friends along the way. In future, I will have confidence to run for a higher leadership position as I now have the courage to speak in front of people. This course was fun and most enjoyable. EMMA: I have achieved better speaking and speech-making skills. This included better eye contact and hand movements when speaking. I am nowhere near as nervous when I am getting ready to speak now. I was challenged at first when talking to the group, as I didn’t know everyone. It’s great to feel better about speaking in front of people, and the sessions have made me a much better leader. RYAN: I can now speak with much more confidence in public, and am also much better at answering off the cuff questions. However, I really enjoyed delivering my prepared speeches. I think that I will now be a better role model, because of what I have learned about leadership. NICK: When I came into this course, I was hopeless when it came to speaking, but now that I have completed it, I can deliver a full speech easily! JARED: I know I have become a more confident speaker and a better listener and leader. I have learned that a leader does not just take full control over everyone, but encourages others, and is also a positive role model. What I enjoyed most about this course was the friendly interaction between everyone, and the fun that we had while learning leadership and speech skills. JAEDON: This speaking and leadership course has given me one hundred and one boosts on my people skills and courage. I really enjoyed the course. One area of challenge for me was actually writing the speeches – I wasn’t really great at it, and would put it off sometimes. As a result of this course, I have changed my attitude towards work, towards people and towards the environment. TAHLIA: Completing this course has helped me to write a well-structured speech, how to use emotion in my speeches, and how to achieve the qualities of a leader. Everyone was very friendly and easy to get along with. It made learning enjoyable. Some changes I will make now will be that I won’t be as selfish and will think about what other people want, not just what I want. HANNAH: I succeeded in being able to speak confidently in front of a crowd. I liked trusting the rest of the groups and having them trust me. It made me feel comfortable and not as shy as I usually am. I found it quite a challenge to write my own speeches and getting up on stage to deliver them at first. I know that in the future, I will be more considerate and confident in leading a large or small group. Bill Farman, President & CEO, Vantage Innovation , July 2007, says: I recently worked with a group of year 12 students at Mount Lilydale Mercy College in the preparation and presentation of a business plan. Two of the students had previously participated in the year 7 Youth Leadership program that you presented. If these two students are representative, then the key teachings from the Youth Leadership program stick like glue and offer the students long-lasting benefits. These two students stood out within the group as being clearly more confident and competent in speaking to large groups. The boys express an air of confidence when standing to speak, but most importantly, I have been most impressed with how well they structure their thoughts. It is such a pleasure to see the results of your program in action and to know that the students gain real benefits - not just in the short term but throughout their whole senior school years and, no doubt, beyond. Keep up the great work! Professor Brian Caldwell, Managing Director, Educational Transformations Pty Ltd and former Dean of Education, University of Melbourne (1998-2004), recommends the program, saying: One of the very best things my father did during my school days was to encourage me to learn how to speak in public. I have had a range of leadership appointments and the confidence I gained in those earlier years has helped me in countless ways. I am grateful for my father’s support and the coaching I received from those who had the skills and the patience to guide me. Magda Pisotek, Year 7 Coordinator and teacher of Mathematics and Religious Education at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, recommends this course to other schools, based on six years of observation of students participating in the program: I highly recommend this course - definitely. It provides so many features and benefits not only for the students but the school. The students’ attitude alters to a more positive approach to learning. They experience success. Students see a purpose and have a definite vision. There is greater encouragement and praise of each other. They have better communication skills generally and in writing and delivering speeches. It changes their outlook for the future and each student’s learns to self evaluate. Thank-you for the time and effort that you and Penny gave the group every Saturday just to come out here and teach us more about speaking in public. It has been a great experience. I loved it. Mikayla, Year 7 At the start of the day, I was nervous and embarrassed but by the end of the day Geoff and Penny made me confident to do speeches and show emotion. Shannessy, Year 6 Penny and Geoff helped us to improve in our skills of being a good student leader. They helped us with the way to show respect to others when you’re talking and listening. Mark, Year 7 Here's a really interesting story from The Buis family: We first experienced this program in 2002. Our eldest child, Samantha, thoroughly enjoyed attending and we believe the program increased her confidence in public speaking. In 2003 Sam joined the debating team. In 2005 our second child, Emma, commenced year 7, and Samantha advised her to participate in the program. Emma also enjoyed it and is involved in the college debating team. In 2007, our third daughter, Jaymie, began at the college and Sam and Emma both recommended the program. Jaymie has followed in her sisters' footsteps and recently completed the course. She has also joined the debating team. All the girls have confidence in presenting orals in class and we feel the program encouraged the development of this vital skill.