FAQ'S

What are the benefits of elev8?

elev8
• offers effective in-school mentoring (with all associated benefits) for students in a cost effective and sustainable form
• directly contributes towards the goals for Australian education
• builds an effective community partnership for the school
• directly promotes key protective and resilience factors for students
• enhances the school profile in the community by presenting students with Australia’s highest youth award, the Queen’s Badge
• is a managed system, providing high quality and trustworthy support for students
• offers a long term commitment to the student and the school

Why does elev8 work?

Students respond to elev8 because it meets their real and felt need for:
• Encouraging adult role models
• Healthy beliefs
• Supportive friends
• Recognition for positive behavior
• Involvement in life-affirming activities

Students continue with elev8 because they can see and experience the benefits in their own lives as they build the wisdom, knowledge and relationships they need to live well.

Who runs elev8?

elev8 is delivered under a community partnership arrangement between the school and a local provider organization, i.e. a church or Christian agency licensed to deliver the elev8 program locally. A program coordinator is appointed to ensure that elev8 is delivered to the required standard.

Student meetings are run by accredited elev8 coaches. An accredited elev8 coach is a person who has completed the required selection and training process, and who has the support of the program coordinator. Coaches may be chaplains, teachers or volunteers from the local community.

How many students can participate?

elev8 is flexible and works for any size group from two to 200 students. Coaching occurs in groups ranging in size from 3-6 students. If large numbers of students are involved, then the program coordinator will require sufficient time to recruit and oversee volunteer coaches.

When do coaches meet with students?

Coach meetings occur during class time at school. elev8 can be offered either as a part of the normal curriculum program (eg. through pastoral care or personal development) or as an attractive extension program. Students and coaches meet at a time mutually agreed upon by the school, the student and the coach.

Where to the coach and student meet?

Meetings must occur under the supervision of an accredited teacher. This means that groups led by volunteers meet in an observable place identified by the teacher or principal. This may be in a class-room adjacent to offices, or in the school library.

How are coaches screened?

Coaches must undergo a national police check, fill out a comprehensive application form, attend an interview and provide two referees. They must also have the approval of the minister at their church.

How are the coaches trained?

elev8 Youth Ltd., in partnership with the local provider, provides comprehensive, compulsory training for all coordinators and coaches. Training includes student protection policies and guidelines, understanding students’ needs, confidentiality, working with small groups, program overview and ages/stages in adolescent development.

Is the elev8 coordinator paid?

Yes, the coordinator is paid to support the students in the elev8 program.

How much extra work is involved for teachers?

Teachers can support students by helping them to incorporate elev8 into their learning program at school. This may include matching student achievements against the curriculum and/or aiding in timetabling coaching sessions to minimise interruption to the school routine.

How long will the program run?

The minimum recommended commitment to elev8 is one year, however it can run for the whole of a student’s secondary education. It takes a minimum of 3 years to complete the Queen’s Badge. Any student can commence at any time between year 7 and year 10 depending on coach availability. Coaches are trained in closure technique for when the coaching relationship is to conclude.

What contact does the coach have with the student beyond the coaching meeting?

Student contact with coaches outside of the meeting is allowed to the extent agreed by written permission from parents.

Does a school with a chaplain need a program like elev8?

elev8 complements the work of chaplains by providing them with a highly effective and structured program to support students in the school.

Is elev8 a religious program?

elev8 is concerned with the development of the whole person – physically, academically, socially and spiritually and is offered under a Christian framework.

Can elev8 be run in a public school?

Yes. elev8 is a voluntary program requiring parent consent for student participation. Schools are encouraged to make comparable programs available to students who are unable, by reason of belief, to participate in elev8.

Is elev8 run by a particular denomination?

elev8 is a cross-denominational program. A local provider organisation may be a church of a particular denomination; the program, however, is open to people of all backgrounds

What is included in the curriculum?

The curriculum is fully documented in comprehensive elev8 manuals, covering weekly sessions, administration, management and the award program. A structured curriculum ensures that students are continually engaged in new and interesting learning experiences. Ninety sessions covering a series of integrated themes take students through a 3 year cycle of growth and development.

What does it cost?

An annual award registration fee of $50 per student is payable to elev8 Youth Ltd. Any additional costs for local administration and coaching coordination are the responsibility of the school and/or local provider organisation.
Activities undertaken externally as part of the award, including all costs and insurance cover, are the sole responsibility of the student’s family.

How do I get involved?

Contact elev8 youth limited and a representative will speak with you