The Heroes’ curriculum is based on the evidence-based psychological theories and concepts listed below. However, what has been the driving force that has contributed to the strong results the Heroes’ programs have achieved, is the many decades of clinical experience of the developers, Helen Davidson and Claire Orange. Their experience helping many, many thousands of children in across continents and contexts has enabled Claire and Helen to transform flat and lifeless concepts into an array of fun, vibrant and relevant tools that children love to use. The Heroes’ programs have the following psychological foundations:
Positive Psychology: Helping children to flourish and function optimally in their peer relationships, by incrementally building key social and emotional skills that help them to deal positively with every day challenges. Fostering a positive and optimistic mindset about the capacity to achieve goals, deal with life events – challenging and otherwise – and achieve success and life satisfaction is fundamental.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Introduction to the connection between cognitions (thoughts), mood and behaviour, illustrated through experiential exploration of common peer scenarios – getting into a game, being refused entry, responding to setbacks and disappointments, and dealing positively and assertively with criticism, teasing and bullying.
Social Learning Theory: The guiding structure of Highway Heroes is the use of experiential learning – role plays, direct instruction, observing and modelling – with one – or all – of these incorporated into each lesson. The scenarios explored and the skills coached, are common to children’s interactions worldwide.
Solution-focused approaches: Teaching children to look for a solution to a difficulty – and then to apply a range of skills, strategies and tools – assists them to develop a ‘can do’ attitude, together with the practical ‘know how’ of what to do. Finding and amplifying strengths through explicit teaching and group discussion, is an integral part of the HIGHWAY HEROES’ sessions/lessons.
Results from a Western Australian School
The Fremantle Language Development Centre, Western Australia, is an Independent Public School that has been using Little Highway Heroes (Pre-primary – Year 1) and Highway Heroes (Years 2 – 3) as part of their social and emotional learning curriculum since 2022.
Below are the outcomes achieved for each program in 2024 using the Heroes’ Pitstop Checklists as an evaluation tool against the Early Years Learning Framework (Little Highway Heroes) and the Personal and Social Capabilities in Physical Health and Education (ACARA) (Highway Heroes).
Helen and Claire congratulate the staff and the 220 children at Fremantle Language Development Centre for their outstanding results and for the opportunity to present them here. THANKYOU!
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
