What is DASH?

DASH provides dynamic activities, allows active voices, develops safe communities and deliveries healthy engagement. DASH is a fun and interactive 9-week program for students in Years 5 and 6. It deepens community connections and belonging for young people, increasing their awareness of and trust in local services, supports and each other.

DASH facilitates meaningful and protective partnerships with Victoria Police, emergency services and other community experts to achieve a sense of belonging in, and connection to the local community.

DASH adopts an experiential and inquiry-based approach to learning. Weekly 90-minute sessions are facilitated in the classroom by specialist facilitators and supported by a range of community experts and agencies who act as learning partners alongside students. DASH aligns with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and can be tailored to meet the needs of your school community.

DASH Program Objectives

• Dynamic, fun, interactive, and collaborative experiences to build social connections
• Enhance student wellbeing by providing a platform for youth voice during challenging times
• Strengthen students’ belief in their ability to generate positive change in their community
• Develop core competencies including communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and social and emotional intelligence
• Strengthen students’ awareness of and connection to their community
• Deep exploration of community challenges, whilst proactively considering real time solutions

FAQS

What does the DASH Include?

A Blue Light Victoria specialist facilitator, alongside relevant community partners and experts including Victoria Police will deliver 8 weekly 90-minute sessions and group activities for up to 30 young people in Years 5 and 6.

The program is evidence based and follows the DASH sequence of learning and includes the following program elements:

• Blue Light Victoria specialist facilitator delivering program in the classroom
• Student program materials
• Victoria Police and local community experts supporting delivery of community aspects of program
• Delivery of the student led project that supports the local community

For more information, please contact Silke Nixon on 0484 818 548 during business hours or email silke.nixon@bluelight.org.au.

Who are the presenters?

Each program has a trained Specialist DASH Facilitator who is responsible for overseeing the DASH program. This includes time management, group management and delivering the workshop content.

Is this program evaluated?

The DASH program has a thorough evaluation process. Participants complete a survey prior to, at the completion of and three months post program. These responses are key to making necessary improvements and advancements to the modules within the program. At the completion of the program, all school staff involved, community partners and the participant’s family members also complete a survey.

What schools are currently involved?

• Bannockburn P-12 College
• Black Hill Primary School
• Elmore Primary School
• Kinglake Primary School
• Manor Lakes Primary School
• Mount Clear Primary School
• Newington Primary School
• Pleasant Street Primary School
• Strathfieldsaye Primary School
• Wendouree Primary School

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