For schools
How can schools use Start Where You Are in Years 9 to 12?
Schools can use Start Where You Are in the time they already have: a chapter idea in pastoral care or homeroom, a full 50 minute lesson in wellbeing time, or a chapter matched to a key moment in the year. Each chapter stands on its own, so there's no need to teach it in order.
Matching chapters to the school year
| When | Chapter | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Start of the year | 1. You Are Not Behind | Settles nerves about what comes next |
| Building new routines | 4. Reading the Conditions | Habits, consistency and study set-up |
| Friendship issues | 7. Boundary of Belonging | Inclusion and feeling left out |
| After exams or results | 8. Failure Isn't Final | Resetting after setbacks |
| Mid-year slump | 9. Resilience Is a Skill | Keeping going when it's hard |
| Subject selection and pathways | 11. You Make Your Own Path | Trying things and noticing what you enjoy |
| End of Year 12 | 12. The Strongest People Know Their Inner Self | Values and a personal philosophy to take with them |
Three ways to fit it in
- Pastoral care or homeroom: one idea and one small action, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wellbeing lessons: the full 50 minute lesson for a chapter.
- Whole year level: pair the lessons with a talk from Ash or a shared read.
Quick answers
Do we need to buy books for every student?
No. Students don't need their own copy to take part in the lessons.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.