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The Happy kids project is a social and emotional wellbeing initiative targeting children and adolescents aged 6 to 10 years old. The aim of the project is to monitor the cognitive and social emotional wellbeing development of 'at-risk' children in this age group as they transition from late primary to early secondary school.
At risk students, of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds, were chosen for focus groups which met regularly during school time. The focus groups aimed to help students connect with each other during the transition period, by setting individual and group goals to achieve during the year. Groups were led by a school coordinator with role models, such as the head boy or girl, participating as group members.
These focus groups were supplemented with an expo day, held at participating schools and open to all students in years 4 -7. Participation in leisure and activity clubs for all students in years 4 to 7 also formed part of the project.
The project was trialled in nine schools across regional and metropolitan Western Australia (WA) over a five-year period. The project was conducted by ECU researcher, Professor Gary Partington, in conjunction with the Department of Education, WA, and Department of Health, WA, and funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Abstract adapted from Edith Cowan University and Department of Education, Western Australia
Professor Gary Partington
Faculty of Education & Arts
Ph: (08) 9370 6571 or 0439 914 921
Fax: (08) 9370 6022
Department of Education
Level 1, 151 Royal Street
East Perth WA 6004
Ph: (08) 9264 4660
Fax: (08) 9264 4664