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More and more tertiary courses now accept students without an ATAR score. They believe the ATAR ranking says nothing about their other learning capabilities, prior achievements, potential or application. So every year there are more alternatives to the ATAR. And for personal wellbeing, there is no point in stressing in pursuit of those often too-well publicised numbers.

Skyline’s Theory of Change describes the students selected for the program as ‘high ability students who are gifted and/or academically talented, with a growth mindset, leadership potential, and resilience in the face of their social and economic challenges’. But what exactly is a growth mindset, how do you recognise it, and can everybody display one?

For most people, their career trajectory does not resemble a rocket heading for the moon. A focus on pathways – including sideways steps through study and employment – can lead to a fulfilling life experience. The 2020 Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis found that the Skyline Program ‘expanded further education and employment pathways’ for participants (Think Impact, 2020).

Everyone experiences anxiety differently, but there are some common signs and symptoms: a racing heart, faster breathing, feeling tense or having aches (especially in the neck, shoulders and back), sweating or feeling dizzy, shaking and ‘butterflies’ or feeling sick in the stomach.

Fear is a primal protective mechanism in the jungle. Fear can keep us safe. But too much fear, like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), can get in the way of living healthy lives. Researchers are working to understand how the brain translates fear into action.

Belonging is a fundamental human need, coming just above the basic needs of food/shelter and safety in Maslow’s famous hierarchy of needs Maslow (1943). In a time when tempestuous climatic change creates uncertainty and the COVID 19 pandemic exacerbates loneliness and social isolation, meaningful connections that lead to a sense of belonging are increasingly valued by all of us.

In the context of Omicron our much anticipated Residential program at Trinity College has been rescheduled to later in the year and instead our Students came together online for a day long masterclass in January. With Year 11 focusing on community, building networks and belonging; our Year 12’s turned their attention on how to tackle the year ahead, finding balance, and identifying personal values paramount to themselves.

Many experts agree that social-emotional learning encompasses self awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. These skills are increasingly central to success in school and in professional life beyond, but schools don’t always have the time or capacity to teach community building, goal setting, or problem solving.