The Classroom Project

Initiative Description: An Australian community-based program for male students in primary school grades five and six identified as ‘at risk’ of disengaging from learning and schooling offered by the Panthers on the Prowl Community Foundation of thePenrith Panthers Rugby League Football Club. The program employs activity based or “hands-on” learning, and uses a social developmental model to enhance internal strengths and resilience as well as supporting the learning of students through the use of role models. The program aims to develop students’ skills in the areas of behavior management, sociality, communication, co-operation, resilience, tolerance, respect, and self-esteem.

Study Results: The Classroom Project had a positive impact on the behavior and learning engagement of the students.

Reference: Gilbert et al. (2010). The Classroom Project: An Australian Intervention Programme Working with Students “At Risk” of School Disengagement. The International Journal of Learning, 14 (4) 283-296.

Level of Evidence: Good