Learning for Success
About A Start in Life
We assist students without most of life’s necessities to seek a brighter future through education.
For those students who are committed to advancing and broadening their educational and future horizons, we offer assistance which includes regular interactions with A Start in Life’s Student Assistance Team and access to a variety of resources, activities, experiences, workshops and coaching.
Established over 100 years ago, we have extensive experience assisting students through programs which complement ‘in-school’ learning and extend the student.
Through nurturing and igniting young minds, we encourage students to unlock their potential, broaden their horizons and pave the way for a brighter future.
“Learning for Success doesn’t replace the role of school. School teaches a lot; however, additional assistance is often needed for students to make the most of their education, especially for those who face financial barriers. Our program complements ‘in-school’ learning and extends beyond the school environment.”
What is Learning for Success?
Learning for Success is a program focused on changing the educational and future trajectory of students facing financial barriers.
The program helps students in Kindergarten to Year 12 who are committed to advancing their education through three Key Pillars:
Pillar 1
Creation of literacy, numeracy and creativity rich home environments
Pillar 2
Self discovery of values, interests, abilities and careers
Pillar 3
Development of 21st Century skills
Regular and ongoing interactions with A Start in Life are the core of Learning for Success and provide the most significant value. Through these interactions, students are supported with their learning and growth. The more dedicated and engaged students are, the more they will benefit.
Some financial assistance is also available to help cover the costs of education essentials which may include school fees, uniforms, technology and excursions.
How Students Progress Through the Program
In the first 12 months of Learning for Success, we assist students with education essentials. Over the year, we work with students and their families to assess their long-term commitment to their education and our program. At the end of the 12 months, where commitment is evident, an invitation to enter the full program will be made.
The full program is available in ongoing years and expands to the three Key Pillars. At the end of each year, A Start in Life will evaluate each student’s progression.
An invitation to continue in the program will be offered to students where:
1 Active use of resources, activities, workshops and coaching sessions provided and / or facilitated by A Start in Life occurs
1 Evidence of positive change and progression exists
1 School attendance and effort ratings in school reports are maintained or enhanced
1 There is a high level of engagement, participation and commitment from both students and parents
Program Overview
We focus on Key Pillars at specific stages of a student’s education to ensure we provide the most useful and beneficial experiences and resources. This deliberate progression through these Pillars enables us to cater to the evolving needs of students as they grow. Support for education essentials remains available throughout the entire program.
Why are each of our three Key Pillars so important? Read on to find out more...
Pillar 1
Pillar 2
Pillar 3
Self Discovery of Values, Interests, Abilities and Careers
Grades 1 – 4
In the early years of a child’s education, we focus on Creation of Literacy, Numeracy and Creativity Rich Home Environments (Pillar 1) to establish environments and habits crucial for lifelong learning.
Grades 5 – 8
As a student grows and begins to form their own identity, the emphasis shifts to Self Discovery of Values, Interests and Abilities (Pillar 2). During these middle years, students are more capable of self-reflection and selfexploration, which helps them build a deeper sense of identity.
Grades 9 – 12
In the later stages of schooling, as a student begins to prepare for the transition to higher education or the workforce, we focus on Self Discovery of Careers (Pillar 2) and Development of 21st Century Skills (Pillar 3). This helps students explore potential future careers (aligned with their values, interests and abilities) and equips them with skills vital to the modern world and workforce.
Pillar 1
Creation of Literacy, Numeracy and Creativity Rich Home Environments
(Grades 1 – 4)
Home environments that encourage literacy, numeracy and creativity are vital to establishing habits for lifelong learning and growth. While learning environments are established at school, it is vital they are provided at home as this is where significant amounts of learning also occur. Time spent learning and studying outside of school hours is associated with enhanced academic outcomes. Home learning environments also help build habits and skills that are crucial to lifelong learning. When parents are involved in their child’s education at home, student motivation, aspirations and capabilities are enhanced.
What we provide:
1 A diversity of tools and resources, ranging from physical items to tips and tricks
1 One-on-one meetings and written guides for parents, offering practical advice on how to use these tools and resources in daily life
The tools and resources we provide will vary depending on the student.
Examples include:
1 Book packs and writing materials to boost literacy
1 Guidance on using cooking measurements and telling time to develop numeracy
1 Craft boxes or storytelling ideas to nurture creativity
Pillar 2
Self Discovery of Values, Interests,
Abilities (Grades 5 – 8) and Careers (Grades 9 – 12)
Self discovery is crucial for nurturing young minds. It helps students better understand themselves and develops a stronger sense of self. This helps students learn and engage with the world more effectively and become well-rounded individuals. Self discovery is not only integral during educational years, but is essential for lifelong personal and professional fulfilment. We help students discover their values, interests, abilities and potential future careers.
Values (Grades 5 – 6)
Identifying and exploring a student’s own values helps them understand what is important to them. Values act as a special tool to help guide students in life, including how to think, act and make decisions. They also contribute to a student’s overall development – at school, at home, with peers and beyond.
What we provide:
1 Regular one-on-one values mentoring sessions with our Student Assistance Team to help students discover and live in alignment with their values
1 A toolbox of resources (e.g. videos, worksheets and activities) to help students continue living in accordance with these values in their daily life – at school, at home, with peers and beyond
1 Guided self-reflections to help increase a student’s awareness of when they are, and are not, living in line with their values
The values a student has will be unique to them.
Examples include:
1 Community
1 Curiosity
1 Hard work
1 Justice
1 Kindness
1 Independence
1 Leadership
1 Open-mindedness
1 Respect
1 Self-growth
Interests (Grades 5 – 8)
Exploring and discovering interests helps students learn more about what they find intriguing, appealing and enjoyable. This enhances self-identity, self-esteem, social connections and happiness.
What we provide:
1 Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with our Student Assistance Team to help students identify a wide range of interests they wish to explore
1 Opportunities to pursue these interests by connecting students with relevant organisations, clubs and groups –from extra-curricular activities to camps and competitions
1 Funding assistance to ensure these interests can be explored and enjoyed
Abilities (Grades 6 – 8)
Knowing and understanding strengths and weaknesses lays the groundwork for a well-rounded and self-aware individual, and prepares students for the opportunities and challenges they will encounter throughout their educational journey and beyond.
What we provide:
1 A specialised personality profiling report to help students identify their innate abilities
1 Regular one-on-one abilities coaching sessions and guided self-reflections with our Student Assistance Team to help students understand and apply their innate abilities in different situations
1 Additional sessions with parents, providing tools and resources to nurture their child’s abilities, especially in family and home life
Careers (Grades 9 – 12)
Through gaining a deeper understanding of their values, interests and abilities, students are able to identify many aligned careers, which will guide them in their choice of study and career paths.
What we provide:
1 A personalised career profiling tool and workbook to help students match their personalities, values, interests and abilities with potential future careers
1 Regular one-on-one coaching sessions with our Student Assistance Team to help students consider and explore the many potential study and career paths that are aligned with them
Students are encouraged to explore a wide variety of interests.
Examples include:
1 Music and singing
1 Arts and crafts
1 Science and experiments
1 Sport and fitness
1 Cooking
1 Coding and robotics
1 Outdoors and nature
1 Acting, drama and comedy
The innate abilities a student has vary widely.
Examples include:
1 Being a good organiser
1 Possessing interpersonal skills
1 Enjoying teamwork
1 Being detail-oriented
1 Showing kindness and empathy
1 Being a good problem solver
The types of careers a student may want to explore are endless.
Pillar 3
Development of 21st Century Skills
(Grades 9 – 12)
21st Century skills are key to a student’s educational and future trajectory. These skills go beyond traditional academic knowledge and provide students with the tools needed for the ever-changing modern world and workforce, enhancing career mobility and broadening career horizons. Students often have base level understanding of these skills, however more time and resources are needed to fully comprehend and apply these skills in real life situations.
What we provide:
1 In person training workshops where students develop 21st Century skills vital to the modern world and workforce
1 These workshops provide students with the opportunity to learn the theory behind these skills and then practically apply them (e.g. in role plays and group activities)
The skills we teach include:
1 Communication
1 Collaboration
1 Creativity
1 Leadership
How do I apply?
1 Regular one-on-one sessions with our Student Assistance Team to help students reflect on how these skills can be applied now and in the future Applying is quick and easy!
For more information and to apply, simply scan the QR code or go to www.astartinlife.org.au/learningforsuccess The
1 Flexibility and adaptability
1 Critical thinking and problem solving
