Why was Believe Education founded and what is its purpose?

 

It is apparent that there are a great number of children with learning differences in schools, struggling to be catered for by even the most experienced teachers. As a result, these students are lacking in confidence which prevents them from developing their own unique abilities.  As a result, many children are struggling with social, emotional and behavioural issues. The idea of believe education was born in response to these concerns.  

 

We aim to help students develop optimistic alternatives as they face challenges in their lives - both in their home and in their communities. Believe Education supports the idea that a child can succeed when strengths are identified, embraced and then built upon.

 

When the child returns to his or her classroom and/or home, the aim is for them to better contribute in a more resilient way. As a flow on effect, this can increase their confidence, strategies and mindfulness in any given situation and respond appropriately.

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What is unique about Believe’s educational approach?

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• We mediate the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment programme which encourages students to explore how they think and become more efficient in their learning process.  

• We celebrate creativity. The fine Arts, outdoor exploration, musical expression and  Theatre

• A ‘hands on’ Multisensory approach to learning.

• Social and Emotional skills programme.

• Low child/teacher ratios.

• We promote learning outside the classroom and provide opportunities for learning in  a variety of contexts.

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How does the 1-Day-a-Week School work?

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• The parent/caregiver completes an online application for their child. Their suitability is reviewed by our team at BELIEVE. If we feel your child is a suitable candidate for Believe one day school, we will inform you.  

• Enrolment forms then need to be completed.

• If the child attends a regular school they then need to get authorisation from their school principal before commencing at Believe.

• Classroom teachers of students who attend BELIEVE are encouraged to communicate with B.E Staff

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What services we you currently offer?

 

We currently run a class every Tuesday during term time for 8 weeks per term. This class is for 9-12 year olds.  There are 12 students in this class.

We have enough on our waitlist to begin another class for this age group as well as a younger class.

We hope to expand to x4 one day programmes in 2017 but this is dependant on a variety of resources.

We also currently run group sessions mediating the Feuerstein programme 2 mornings per week, and each session is 1 hour in duration. These classes have a maximum of 8 students in them.

 

Parent feedback

 

“When asked how was your day my reply was with a huge grin "I'm just too happy to explain it to you, it went so fast" What a difference from today's school day "everyone in my class hates me" The huge social struggles don't get any easier as they get older. My heart bleeds every time. I wish we had believe 5 years ago. Thank you all so much xx”

 

“During the car ride home ____ said "Something really special happened (at Believe school) today Mum". I thought it might have been a game or task he really enjoyed. He said "I put my hand up to answer a question because I knew the answer really well!" For my _____ that's awesome. He felt safe enough to speak up. He felt so pleased with himself. Yay!! Thanks Believe Education!”

 

“Best feeling in the world picking up a happy and enthusiastic _____ from school, even if he doesn’t shut up the whole hour drive home.  I honestly haven’t seen him this happy since his kindy days.”_____ loved the day yesterday! Yay!! Thanks Believe Education!”

 

The first words out of _____ mouth when we asked her how her day was....."I wish I could go back tomorrow". So good to see our girl smiling again!!

Thanks Team Believe!

 

“Yes! ______ had a fantastic day '50 out of 10' was his rating...if only it was every day of the week!”

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What do students say about Believe?

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• I like all the art we do

• It is better than school

• I like making new friends

• I like my teachers

• I don’t struggle at Believe

• I like learning things I haven’t learnt before

• I feel safe at Believe

• I love gardening

• I like creating

• It is so fun

• It challenges my thinking.

 

 

What are Believe’s plans for the future?

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• To offer services 4-5 days a week.

• To eventually establish  a 5 day per week school.

• To offer services to a wider range of ages. (eg. 5-7, 8-12, teenagers, adults)

• To offer the service nation wide by trained mediators.

• To receive sustainable long term funding so more families can access this type of support.

• To offer support training and Professional development for classroom teachers.

 

 

Who is the Believe Education team?

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We are a group of passionate educators. One prerequisite for educators is that they have experience, empathy and awareness of dealing with students with a variety of learning needs. Our staff are all trained in The Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment programme also.

 

Is Believe a non-profit organisation?

We are in the process of registering for Charitable Trust status and hope to be approved by early 2017.