Secret Agents Society
SAS is an ‘opt in’ program which aims to equip children with knowledge and skills in four key areas:
- Emotion recognition in themselves and others.
- Emotion regulation focusing on anxiety and anger.
- Problem solving in social-emotional situations.
- Social skills for friendships, teamwork, and daily interactions with a diverse range of people.
Intended outcomes
- Increased knowledge of anxiety and anger management strategies
- Increased recognition of emotional cues in others
- Improved regulation of emotions
- More diverse social skills for teamwork and connection
- Lower impact of hyperactivity and behaviour on classroom engagement
- Improved self-management strategies and student coping tools
- Improved ability to respond to bullying
The program engages children using ‘gamified’ learning and espionage theme. Participants are referred to as ‘cadets’. Facilitators lead nine interactive modules and mentor children to work through the modules and practice their skills at home and school.
The program is offered to families of children from Grades 3 to 6. Students can be referred to the program or parents may request that their child participates.
Parents are also involved in the program and have fortnightly meetings with the facilitator.
Testimonies
This is what some Cadets and parents said about their SAS experience:
Cadets said:
“I learned how to calm down and relax. If something goes wrong, I can stay calm and get out of being bullied”.
“The things that I found to be most helpful were the 02 regulator, fire engine, how to deal with friendships and our gadget pack”.
“I liked the fun activities and games.”
“Helping me with social encounters and with face-to-face conversations”.
“Learning to control my anger and not be so sad when something happens”.
Parents said:
“My child is less anxious and willing to try new things. She also is doing quite well navigating friendship difficulties, is sure and confident of herself and knows what she wants and will stick to looking after herself”.
“I find my daughter will come and tell me about issues between her friends, but I don’t need to give her advice. She already knows what to do, she just needs me as a listening ear now. I don’t need to help as much with new situations or things she is afraid of doing – she will give things a go”.
“The program content hits the nail on the head with supporting the kids with everyday issues and giving them tools that will help them for the rest of their lives”.