How are AESO Student Programs different?

In recent times considerable psychological research has been devoted to identifying risk and protective factors for children’s mental health. Social scientists have been investigating how some children experiencing negative environmental circumstances such as death of a family member, bullying or emotional trauma cope and thrive despite these difficult conditions.  At AESO, we strive to assist participants to unlock these building blocks of resilience in their lives.   

Factors such as social and emotional skills, optimism, academic achievement, relationships with family, peers and school, opportunities for success, participation in the community, cultural identity and access to support have all been identified to influence a child’s well being.  The educational and health sectors traditionally address these needs by:

1. Delivering awareness raising education about mental health signs and treatment options (i.e. promotion)
2. Teaching social and emotional coping skills to reduce difficulties (i.e. prevention)
3. Integrating support structures within and outside schools to ensure children who are already experiencing difficulties are linked to appropriate support (i.e. early intervention).

Similar to current prevention strategies, AESO’s program design incorporates cognitive, emotional and social coping skill components that have been found to prevent mental health difficulties.  How our programs differ is through the building of internal resiliency factors by fostering physical health and spiritual values to enhance an individual’s overall well being.  

AESO recognises the ways we achieve our life goals vary from person to person.  What works for one person may not work for another.  What works for one person now, may not work in the future.  With this in mind, AESO’s programs provide practical tools and strategies to build resilience, so that as challenging life events occur a person can know which strategies to use and when.  It’s not what happens that matters but what happens next!

How Are AESO parent Programs Different?

AESO programs are not an A to Z Guide telling you “what you are doing wrong” or “how to be a better parent”. AESO will not give you reams of information, theory and content. AESO’s informal, interactive and experiential programs provide a unique and safe environment to gain new insight into your role as a parent within the context of who you are as a whole person. This includes building and maintaining your self-confidence, strengthening your relationships with your child and others, improving your physical health and supporting your overall wellbeing.

How are AESO Educator Programs different?

AESO programs are not like your everyday professional development.  They are for the educator who is looking for a fresh approach and new ideas towards their teaching and their relationships with their students, parents and colleagues.  AESO will not tell you “how to be a better teacher”.  We will focus on effectively equipping you for the classroom and for your life as a whole.  We will do this by exploring and nurturing your:  

1. Self esteem
2. Self awareness
3. Self confidence
4. Physical health
5. Emotional stability and intuition
6. Relationships with others
7. Self support strategies
8. Opportunities for goal achievement
9. Creativity, and
10. Passion…

AESO’s informal, interactive programs provide a unique and safe environment to develop each individual’s perception of themselves. This includes building and maintaining your self confidence, assisting you to identify priorities, as well as explore strategies to achieve productive pedagogies and improved student outcomes. You will experience an enjoyable and engaging learning environment created through music, art, physical movement, colour, drama, reflection, and action learning activities.

Who are AESO programs for?

Because AESO focuses on building the foundations for lifelong learning and self-development, our programs are open to:

1. School age children
2. Parents / Guardians
3. Educators

Follow the links above for more information about each of these programs.

Where are AESO programs available?

AESO is an Australian based educational organisation providing learning opportunities across Australia and internationally. You may access AESO groups via:

1. In school classes with students in the same grade
2. After school programs with school age students of similar age
3. Parent programs during evenings and weekends
4. Public programs held at independent venues with students and adults
5. Educator workshops at school or independent venues

If you are interested in organising a program in your area, please contact us directly.

How are AESO programs delivered?

AESO values the creation of learning experiences that allow all individuals the opportunity to engage, explore and develop in accordance with their unique needs.  What this means in practice, is that all our programs are facilitated using the following principles:

1. Experiential learning i.e. learning from real life experiences, learning by doing, making meaning from your direct experience
2. Action learning i.e. studying your own actions and experience to improve performance, use of insightful questions, done in conjunction with others in small groups
3. Active engagement in learning in the present i.e. building relationships and connections amongst participants and between the facilitator and participants
4. Igniting and expressing spontaneity to actively find your own answers (based on the methods conceived by Dr Jacob Moreno, 1889-1974) more info...
5. Sensory learning i.e. using your sense of smell, touch, sound, sight and taste to process information
6. Holistic learning i.e. working with your mental, emotional, physical and social health

Who facilitates AESO programs?

All our facilitators are specialists with a minimum of 5 years experience and qualifications within one or a combination of the following fields:

1. Psychology
2. Allied Health
3. Complimentary Therapies
4. Education

Our team of facilitators are dedicated and committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

What support is available for participants?

AESO is committed to developing ongoing partnerships and relationships with educators, parents and students.  These relationships can take a variety of forms according to the needs of participants.  From on line support to face-to-face feedback, AESO is here to support you.

Find out more about our support structure here

How do you evaluate the success of your programs?

Evidence based practice informs every aspect of our programs, drawing upon research from various disciplines. AESO utilises the following strategies to ensure our programs continue to benefit all participants:

1. Pre and post standardised psychological tests
2. Self assessment throughout the program
3. Action and reflective learning with facilitators
4. Facilitated feedback focus groups with participants
5. In depth discussions with parents and/or participants
6. Aggregated and individual reports as requested
7. Pre and post Kinesiology assessments.

How much does participation in an AESO program cost?

Due to the highly personalised nature of these programs, AESO is currently making them available to a limited number of interested schools by direct discussion.

If you are genuinely interested in how AESO will work together with you to facilitate life-long learning for your students, please contact us  to organise an over-the-phone or in-person discussion.