A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
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.
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.
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.
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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 self-exploration, 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.
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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:​
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Active use of resources, activities, workshops and coaching sessions provided and / or facilitated by A Start in Life occurs
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Evidence of positive change and progression exists
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School attendance and effort ratings in school reports are maintained or enhanced
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There is a high level of engagement, participation and commitment from both students and parents​​​​​
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.
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What we provide:​
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A diversity of tools and resources, ranging from physical items to tips and tricks
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One-on-one meetings and written guides for parents, offering practical advice on how to use these tools and resources in daily life
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The tools and resources we provide will vary depending on the student. Examples include book packs and writing materials to boost literacy, guidance on using cooking measurements and telling time to develop numeracy, and 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.
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Scroll through the slideshow below to find out more about each one!
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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.
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What we provide:
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In person training workshops where students develop 21st Century skills vital to the modern world and workforce
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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)
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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
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The skills we teach include: communication, collaboration, creativity, leadership,
flexibility and adaptability, critical thinking and problem solving.
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.​​​
Additional Information
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What is required of students and parents?This program will require a high level of engagement, participation and commitment from both students and parents. This includes: · Regular interactions with A Start in Life · Regular completion of questionnaires · Active use of resources and offerings · Follow up of personalised Action Plans
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How much time do students and parents need to commit?The time commitment for students and parents varies based on the student’s grade at school and the Pillar they are completing. Younger students require more parental involvement, while older students need to commit more personal time. In Grades 1-8, some interactions will be with the parent only. This time commitment includes having regular online interactions with A Start in Life. An estimated breakdown of the time commitment for online interactions with A Start in Life is three to four per year. Separate to this, additional time will need to be spent on using resources, completing activities and participating in experiences directly related to the Pillar the student is completing. For example, using various resources to create literacy, numeracy and creativity rich home environments; using resources to explore values; participating in experiences related to their interests; using abilities and careers profiling tools; and attending in person 21st Century skills workshops.
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What does it mean when you say students need to be "committed to advancing their education"?These students want to continually learn and grow. They are dedicated to their education, both inside and outside the classroom. They attend school regularly and put in effort in the classroom*. They are also committed to actively engaging and participating in all aspects of our program – including having regular interactions with us and actively using the resources, tools and activities we provide. * Please refer to our Eligibility Criteria below for specific requirements regarding school attendance rates and school report effort scores.
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What is the Eligibility Criteria?Please refer to the Eligibility Criteria document below.
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What happens during interactions?Each interaction has a defined purpose. The content of each interaction is dependent on the Key Pillar the student is completing and will focus on: · Building knowledge and skills · Facilitating self-reflection and self-awareness · Establishing desired outcomes · Discussing progress – including the growth and benefits they have experienced to date · Identifying the most beneficial resources and activities · Refining their Action Plan with next steps · Providing encouragement
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When and where do the interactions occur?Regular interactions occur at a minimum of three times a year (at the start, middle and end of each year). Depending on the Pillar being focused on, additional interactions will occur (at various times throughout the year). The total amount of interactions that occur in a year may be up to eight. All interactions are online meetings conducted via Teams. This means you’ll need access to a working device, such as a smart phone, iPad or laptop.
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Is financial assistance provided?The focus of our program is the regular and ongoing interactions we have with students. However, each student in the program will receive direct financial assistance for education essentials, up to $1,200 per year. Additionally, some indirect financial assistance will be provided for each Pillar, to fund resources, activities and workshops.
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Why aren't Kindergarten students included under any of the Pillars?During the first 12 months of the program, we assist students with education essentials only. Kindergarten is the youngest grade eligible for our program. Hence, Kindergarten students receive assistance for education essentials only. After the first 12 months, if a Kindergarten student continues in our program, they will have entered Grade 1 at school so will then be included in Pillar 1 (Creation of Literacy, Numeracy and Creativity Rich Home Environments).
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How long can a student be in the program?As long as the student continues to meet our Eligibility Criteria, they can be supported through until the end of Year 12. At the end of Year 12, students may be invited to be part of our Tertiary Program.
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What are Action Plans?We recognise each student has unique circumstances, needs and aspirations. To effectively assist each student, we create an individual Action Plan in close collaboration with the student and their family. The Action Plan reflects the Pillar the student is completing – including what they will be provided (e.g. resources, tools, activities and experiences) and next steps for the student and family (e.g. ensuring these resources, tools, activities and experiences are actively used). The Action Plan is updated after every interaction.
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Is the program online or in person?Almost the entire program is online, conducted through Teams meetings. This means you’ll need access to a working device, such as a smart phone, iPad or laptop. 21st Century skills workshops (for Grades 9-12) will take place in person in Sydney. Financial assistance will be available for rural students who live over 100km from Sydney to attend these workshops.
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When can I apply and when will the program begin?You can apply at any time during the year! If your application is successful, support will begin soon after.
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I have more than one child at school, how many can apply?In the first 12 months of the program, one student per family can apply. After the first 12 months, a second student from the same family can apply. A maximum of two students per family can participate in the program at any given time.
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Who will know I'm doing the program?Our team will be aware, along with anyone you choose to inform. We may share information about students with relevant service providers (such as tutors, workshop facilitators and schools) to verify information and discuss your progress. All information provided to A Start in Life will be treated confidentially and used in support of one or more of A Start in Life’s functions or activities. For successful applicants, some student information may be shared with A Start in Life’s supporters and/or used for fundraising activities. For more information about how we may use student information, please refer to our Privacy Policy at www.astartinlife.org.au/privacy-policy. We value your privacy and are committed to safely securing and storing your information, limiting its use and providing you access to it.
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How do you ensure the privacy and safety of participants?A Start in Life respects and is committed to protecting your privacy and your personal information. Our team will be aware, along with anyone you choose to inform. We may share information about students with relevant service providers (such as tutors, workshop facilitators and schools) to verify information and discuss your progress. All information provided to A Start in Life will be treated confidentially and used in support of one or more of A Start in Life’s functions or activities. For successful applicants, some student information may be shared with A Start in Life’s supporters and/or used for fundraising activities. For more information about how we may use student information, please refer to our Privacy Policy at www.astartinlife.org.au/privacy-policy. We value your privacy and are committed to safely securing and storing your information, limiting its use and providing you access to it. A Start in Life is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promotes the safety of all children and young people participating in our programs. For more information, please refer to our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety at www.astartinlife.org.au/child-safety.
How To Apply
Applying is quick and easy! Simply apply now via the button below.
If you have any questions, please contact us on studentassist@astartinlife.org.au or (02) 9264 3017.​
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