changemakers

The Maximising the Middle Initiative brings together a diverse group of Changemakers committed to improving outcomes in the middle years (8 -14 years) across the Penrith and Campbelltown Local Government Areas in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. The MtM Changemakers include Educators, as well as school and community leaders who have completed the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program™ and ARACY Common Approach® training.

Who Took Part

A total of 54 leaders from schools, community organisations, and services across the Penrith and Campbelltown LGAs have taken part in the training during Phase 1 of the MtM initiative. We call these leaders, the Changemakers. They include school executive, teachers, educators, youth workers, and community service professionals.

“The training was very informative and gave me new ideas about working with students in the middle years.”
—Changemaker


In addition, middle years young people (aged 8-12 years) from participating schools, their parents and carers, and a range of professionals supporting them have also shared their perspectives and ideas, contributing their voices through surveys, focus groups, formal research and conversations.

Collectively, they ensure the research captures a deep understanding of the needs, strengths, and experiences of middle years young people during these formative years.
Changemakers will work with their middle years' cohort, their families and their community to create meaningful projects that will support middle years young people to thrive.

A total of 54 leaders from schools, community organisations, and services across the Penrith and Campbelltown LGAs have taken part in the training during Phase 1 of the MtM initiative. We call these leaders, the Changemakers. They include school executive, teachers, educators, youth workers, and community service professionals.

 

“The training was very informative and gave me new ideas about working with students in the middle years.” —Changemaker

 

In addition, middle years young people (aged 8-12 years) from participating schools, their parents and carers, and a range of professionals supporting them have also shared their perspectives and ideas, contributing their voices through surveys, focus groups, formal research and conversations.


Collectively, they ensure the research captures a deep understanding of the needs, strengths, and experiences of middle years young people during these formative years.


Changemakers will work with their middle years' cohort, their families and their community to create meaningful projects that will support middle years young people to thrive.

What They Experienced

Through the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program™ and ARACY’s Common Approach® training, Changemakers engaged in interactive workshops, group discussions, and reflective practice. Research activities included surveys and focus groups with students and interviews with educators, parents, and community professionals. These experiences empowered Changemakers to promote positive identities, build high-expectations relationships, and support middle years young people using child-centred, strengths-based approaches.


In the next phase of this initiative, Changemakers will work with middle years young people to co-design projects to support them as they and their families navigate through this key developmental stage.

Through the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program™ and ARACY’s Common Approach® training, Changemakers engaged in interactive workshops, group discussions, and reflective practice. Research activities included surveys and focus groups with students and interviews with educators, parents, and community professionals. These experiences empowered Changemakers to promote positive identities, build high-expectations relationships, and support middle years young people using child-centred, strengths-based approaches.


In the next phase of this initiative, Changemakers will work with middle years young people to co-design projects to support them as they and their families navigate through this key developmental stage.

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The Impact

So far Changemakers have reported stronger collaboration between schools and community services, greater confidence in addressing the needs of middle years young people, and a renewed focus on building positive, supportive environments. Together, the research and trainings help embed practices that drive long-term change, ensuring young people in the middle years are supported to thrive.


“I feel better equipped to support students and work alongside families and colleagues in a more collaborative way.”
- Changemaker

Moving into Maximising the Middle’s Ignite and Innovation Phase, we envision a powerful impact - sparking creative solutions, strengthening engagement, and enhancing positive outcomes for middle years young people and their communities.

So far Changemakers have reported stronger collaboration between schools and community services, greater confidence in addressing the needs of middle years young people, and a renewed focus on building positive, supportive environments. Together, the research and trainings help embed practices that drive long-term change, ensuring young people in the middle years are supported to thrive.


“I feel better equipped to support students and work alongside families and colleagues in a more collaborative way.” - Changemaker


Moving into Maximising the Middle’s Ignite and Innovation Phase, we envision a powerful impact - sparking creative solutions, strengthening engagement, and enhancing positive outcomes for middle years young people and their communities.

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