What does the Alice Springs Declaration say about wellbeing?

The Alice Springs Declaration – formally called The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians – is like the rulebook for Australian education.

It places strong emphasis on addressing education gaps and preparing students from an early age to thrive in their school community and the wider world.

It has two goals:

1. The Australian education system promotes excellence and equity.
2. All young Australians become confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active and informed members of the community.

It’s all about setting high standards for education while making sure every Australian student grows into a confident, creative, and community-minded individual.

The first goal is to deliver excellence and equity in education

This goal is about ensuring that the Australian education system promotes excellence, and is fair and equitable for every student.

The declaration aims to raise the bar for education across the board, achieving excellence. It wants students to have access to high-quality teaching, resources, and opportunities.

Equity means that every student, regardless of their background, should have the same chance to succeed. It’s about leveling the playing field. So, whether you’re from the inner city or regional Australia, the goal is to make sure you get a shot at a great education.

This first sets a high standard for Australian education while making sure nobody is left behind.

The second goal is to build awesome humans

What kind of people does our education system want to nurture? It’s not just about getting good grades; it’s about becoming excellent individuals and active community members.

The goal is to help students build self-confidence and creativity. It’s about encouraging them to think outside the box, solve problems, and express themselves confidently.

It’s also about creating successful lifelong learners who make a positive contribution to the world.

The second goal is like saying: Let’s create students who are not just book-smart but also life-smart, community-minded, and always eager to learn.

The Alice Springs Declaration places student wellbeing at its forefront

The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Declaration emphasises student wellbeing.

The declaration recognises that student wellbeing is not just about academic achievement but also about fostering a sense of belonging, empathy, and social and emotional development. It underscores the importance of creating an educational environment that supports students’ holistic growth and development, ultimately contributing to their wellbeing as they progress through their educational journey and into adulthood.

Peer Support helps schools achieve the goals of the Alice Springs Declaration

The Peer Support Program is aligned with the principles of The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Declaration. The program contributes to the development of confident, creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active, informed community members.

The program builds student confidence

Peer Support programs create a safe and inclusive environment for students. The Peer Support Program is student-led and fosters participation from all students in their group.

Activities are interactive and collaborative, providing opportunities for students to learn to communicate effectively, share their thoughts and ideas, and work together as a team. Students are more likely to express themselves creatively and take on challenges with confidence when they feel secure and supported.

Peer Support promotes lifelong learning

The program often focuses on experiential learning, where students actively participate in various activities. This hands-on approach makes learning fun and also instils a curiosity for exploring new things. The Peer Support Program emphasise skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are essential for lifelong learning.

Students learn social and emotional literacy skills

Peer Support Australia recognises the importance of emotional wellbeing in students’ overall development. The program includes discussions and activities that address issues related to mental health, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Students become better equipped to manage their own emotions and support their peers in times of need.

The program encourages respectful discussion

The Peer Support Program emphasises the value of respectful communication and active listening. Students learn to express their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions while respecting different perspectives. This encourages them to become active and informed participants in their communities, capable of addressing complex issues with empathy and respect.

The program embodies diversity and inclusion

Students learn about and connect with peers across different grades, fostering a sense of understanding and acceptance. All students have an opportunity to be Peer Leaders, rather than a select few. This helps create informed, empowered and inclusive community members who contribute to and respect the diversity that makes Australia unique.