Are you a high school leader looking for respectful relationships resources? Take advantage of federal government funding to access Peer Support’s program modules that support student development in a range of social and emotional skills.
The Australian Government has announced new funding to help schools teach consent, inclusion, and kindness. And the best part? You can use that funding to run the Peer Support’s evidence-based modules.
Each of the program’s modules helps build the skills, attitudes and peer culture that supports respectful relationships across the whole school.
It’s student-led, with senior students training as Peer Leaders and leading younger students through the module materials over eight weeks. Most participating high schools provide Peer Leader opportunities to Year 9 students supporting Year 7 students in Term 1, but schools can adapt the model to suit their needs.
Teach integrity with Best Version of Me
Peer Support’s newest module helps students explore who they are, what they stand for and how they want to treat others. Each session opens up peer-to-peer conversations about identity, integrity and inclusion.
“It’s not a lecture. It’s not a worksheet. It’s real dialogue, guided by students who are trained to lead with empathy and confidence,” says Jonathon Peatfield, CEO of Life Education NSW/ACT.
“The Best Version of Me module gives students the tools to build stronger connections and lead with empathy,” he says. “It helps create a culture where students feel seen, heard and supported.”
Schools using Best Version of Me say it improves peer relationships, builds leadership capacity and helps create a more inclusive school culture.
Build belonging with Strengthening Our Connections
This module focuses on belonging. It helps students recognise and challenge bullying behaviours and strengthen their connections with each other. Sessions are built around empathy, kindness and creating a safe and supportive environment.
Like all Peer Support modules, Strengthening Our Connections is led by students, not teachers. That peer-to-peer structure is part of what makes it effective.
“When students take the lead, they take ownership of the culture they are helping to create,” says Peatfield. “They’re not just talking about values. They’re practising them.”
Explore resilience with Rethinking Challenges
Rethinking Challenges helps students develop the emotional tools to navigate pressure, stress and change. Respectful relationships start with self-awareness and resilience. This module supports both.
The sessions are practical and grounded in students’ real experiences. They’re designed to help young people reflect, problem-solve and support each other in meaningful ways.
“Adolescence can be a challenging time,” says Peatfield. “This module gives students space to talk honestly and build skills that last well beyond the classroom.”
Change school culture with Peer Support’s respectful relationships resources
Peer Support’s modules are available to Peer Support member schools. The modules are curriculum-aligned, designed to be peer-led, and support a whole-school approach to wellbeing and respect.
Each one meets the criteria for the new Respectful Relationships Education grant. The funding supports age-appropriate, expert-developed programs that promote inclusion, empathy, consent and wellbeing.
“Peer Support ticks every box. It’s one of the most established wellbeing programs in Australian schools,” says Peatfield. “This funding gives schools the chance to deepen what they’re already doing, or bring in something that works straight away.”
Already a member school? All three high school modules are ready to access on your member dashboard. Not a member yet? Find out how to join.
Improve school-wide student wellbeing
Discover how Peer Support can build student wellbeing at your school, with this free ebook.
