SEL Supports
Derrimut Primary School has a detailed and in-depth Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Scope and Sequence that aligns with all aspects of students’ wellbeing and development. In order for students to learn and grow academically, they need to feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.
Our SEL Scope and Sequence teaches students the skills and behaviours needed to become emotionally literate through five key areas: (1) Emotional Regulation, (2) Gender Norms and Stereotypes, (3) Personal and Cultural Strengths, (4) Help-Seeking and Positive Gender Relations, and (5) Building Relationships. These areas are taught each year across all year levels, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, including Health Education and the Personal and Social Capability content descriptors and indicators of success.
All programs and supports are aligned with this Scope and Sequence to ensure students are taught holistically at a Tier 1 (universal) level.
Please see below for the range of social and emotional supports we offer at Derrimut Primary School to all students, all the time, to support their learning every day.
SEL Programs
At Derrimut Primary School, we are committed to supporting the social, emotional, and behavioural development of every student through a structured, whole-school approach to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In addition to our universal Tier 1 programs, we provide targeted Tier 2 supports and intensive Tier 3 interventions for students who require additional assistance.
Tier 2 supports are designed for students who may benefit from small group interventions, skill building programs, and additional opportunities to practise social and emotional strategies in a supported environment. Tier 3 interventions provide individualised, highly targeted support for students with more complex needs, involving collaboration between school staff, families, and external professionals where appropriate.
These layered supports ensure that all students have access to the right level of guidance at the right time, helping them develop the skills they need to regulate emotions, build positive relationships, and engage successfully in their learning.
The SEL programs we have at Derrimut Primary School are:
Lego Therapy: This program helps primary aged children develop social skills by working together in structured group roles. Through shared Lego-building activities, children learn to collaborate, negotiate, take turns, understand others’ perspectives, and build friendships, while also increasing their confidence in engaging with peers. Students selected work in small groups with support from an educator trained in Lego Therapy.
Art Therapy: This program helps primary aged children build self-esteem, express their feelings in a safe and creative way, develop social skills, and learn strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult situations. Students selected work with a trained art therapist and others similar aged students in a small group environment.
Social Learning & Thinking: This program supports students to develop the social and emotional skills they need to build positive friendships, understand others’ thoughts and feelings, communicate respectfully, and solve social problems in appropriate ways. These groups provide structured opportunities to practise cooperation, flexibility, turn-taking, and managing emotions in real social situations. Students selected work in small groups with similar aged students with an educator trained in Social thinking and learning.
RCH ‘Drumbeat’: This program supports children to build confidence, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen social skills through group drumming. The program encourages teamwork, communication, and connection with others in a fun, structured, and creative environment. Students selected work in a small group with similar aged students with a qualified external social worker and educator.
CICO (Check in Check Out): Students receiving this intervention receive regular support, connection and positive feedback throughout the school day. It helps students understand expectations, stay focused on their goals, and build confidence. By checking in with an adult each morning and checking out at the end of the day, students receive encouragement and acknowledgment , review their progress, and learn skills that help them be more successful in class. This intervention is a short term intervention provided in a 1:1 capacity.
Provisional Psychologist: The goal for our provisional psychologist is to work with children, families, and teachers to support students’ emotional, social, and behavioural development. They help identify a child’s needs, provide strategies to improve wellbeing and learning, and work closely with families and teachers to create supportive, effective plans. Our provisional psychologists can also offer recommendations to teachers, families, and other allied health professionals to ensure the child receives consistent and appropriate support across all environments.
