Rock and Water

The concept:  the tough immovable rock attitude versus the mobile, communicative water attitude. The concept can be applied at the physical, social (conversation) and mental (connected self-concept) levels.

What is it?

Rock and Water is a program that aims to teach

• practical anti-bullying strategies
• alternatives to aggressive verbal and physical responses to fear and doubt
• thinking and being in control, through grounding, centredness and mental focus
• self respect, self control and self confidence

The program was originally developed to give teachers a new way to interact with boys through "physical social teaching" and has since been adapted for girls. Rock and Water aims to assist students in finding purpose and motivation in their lives. A specific goal is to teach the boys to deal with power, strength and powerlessness. Boys learn to stand stronger in many ways. As an important part of communication they learn to sense, set and defend their own boundaries, particularly in situations of group pressure. The program leads from simple self-defence, to boundary and communication exercises, then to developing self-awareness and self confidence.

Training

Selected staff attend a three day seminar to be trained as Rock and Water trainers. In April 2011, Mr Anthony Ryan and Mr Jeffrey Ward undertook the training in preparation for the first program at Chatswood High School.

The program

Late in term 3 2011 the inaugural 'Rock and Water' Program was run at the Chatswood Youth Centre with a group of year 7, 8 and 9 boys who had been identified by the Welfare team. Mr Ryan, Mr Boogert and Mr Ward spent two days with them, alternating between physical exercises and group discussions. This physical approach links mental and social skills and demands discipline and perseverance and teaches boys how to deal with conflict, power and strength without losing self-control.

Funding

CHS P&C provided the funds to send Mr Ryan and Mr Ward to the training seminar, and to run the first program. Thank you to Chatswood Youth Centre who provided use of their facilities free of charge.

It is intended that the program will continue with all boys and girls over time learning the foundations of 'Rock and Water'. The P&C are committed to continuing to support the training of teachers so that the program will continue to run at Chatswood High school.

Northern Sydney Health Grant

Recently the 'Rock and Water' program was successful in receiving a Northern Sydney Health promoting schools 2011 seeding grant. This money will go a long way with training and development.