Online Courses
The Stronger Smarter Institute's online learning platform provides access to specialised content that has been developed to support schools and communities to enact the Stronger Smarter Approach.
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Online Courses
The Stronger Smarter Institute online learning platform provides access to specialised content that has been developed to support schools and communities to enact the Stronger Smarter Approach.
The modules provide materials that you can explore at your own pace, either as an introduction to our work, or to refresh and deepen your understandings after attending a face-to-face programs.
If you are new to the Stronger Smarter Approach, we recommend that you start with the Introduction to Stronger Smarter Online module.
Online Courses Available
(~8 hours)
Introduction to Stronger Smarter
The Introduction to Stronger Smarter Learning Module examines critical elements of practice in schools working to make a difference in Indigenous education and explores ways to enhance educational outcomes for First Nations students.
The module provides an initial introduction to some of the complex concepts and understandings of the Stronger Smarter Approach. Throughout, we ask you to reflect on your own understandings and capacity to make a difference to First Nations students.
High-Expectations Relationships
The High-Expectations Relationships online module draws on Indigenous knowledges, research and lived experience to explores how beliefs, identity and relational practices shape learning outcomes and school culture.
Participants are invited to critically examine their own assumptions, strengthen relational leadership, and apply respectful, strengths-based approaches that build trust, belonging and high expectations for every learner.
(~2 hours)
Improving Attendance: What are we missing?
Rethinking attendance begins with rethinking what attendance communicates. Rather than viewing attendance as a compliance issue, this module explores attendance as an indicator of students’ connection to school, including their sense of belonging, identity, trust and relationships. Through practical examples and reflection activities, you will examine how different ways of understanding attendance can shape school responses.
Using the Stronger Smarter Approach, High-Expectations Relationships, and connectedness-based models of attendance, you will explore a practical framework for identifying the conditions that support sustained attendance. By the end, you will have new tools for interpreting attendance data and practical ideas for strengthening attendance within your own context.
What Difference Can One Person Make? Resisting the Pull of Low Expectations
Leadership is often associated with titles, authority and formal positions. In reality, some of the most important decisions shaping systems are made by people working throughout organisations and institutions. This module explores how mid-level and frontline roles influence whether reform is implemented with integrity or gradually loses meaning over time. Through practical examples and reflection activities, you will examine how everyday decisions, relationships and actions shape trust, dignity, agency and lasting change.
Drawing on the concepts of the concrete universal, the Sarra Trilogy, structural literacy and invisible infrastructure, you will explore a practical framework for leadership from the middle. You will learn how to identify leverage points within complex systems, exercise relational courage, and translate ideas into meaningful action. By the end, you will have practical strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships and creating positive change within their own sphere of influence.
Leading Against the Tide: Creating a Culture of Excellence and Thriving in Your New School
What have you inherited that should never have become normal?
When Dr Chris Sarra became principal of Cherbourg State School, he inherited practices he believed should never have been accepted for Aboriginal children. After seven or eight months getting to know the school, its people and himself, he told his staff that anyone who could not believe in the children should not be there. Within four weeks, about half the teaching staff applied for transfers. Today, he wonders whether there was a more courageous way.
This short course is for principals stepping into schools where low expectations have quietly become normal. Through Chris’s story, an unfolding leadership scenario and five responsibilities drawn from his Accountabilities Matrix, it asks how to hold firm on what children deserve without losing the adults you need to lead. It offers no script, but it will sharpen your judgement and test your courage.
For new and aspiring principals ready to lead against the tide.
Introduction to Stronger Smarter
The Introduction to Stronger Smarter Learning Module examines critical elements of practice in schools working to make a difference in Indigenous education and explores ways to enhance educational outcomes for First Nations students.
The module provides an initial introduction to some of the complex concepts and understandings of the Stronger Smarter Approach. Throughout, we ask you to reflect on your own understandings and capacity to make a difference to First Nations students.
Reviews for SSI Virtual
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The Strong and Smart approach has been transformative for our school community. The cultural proficiency instilled by the Stronger Smarter Institute is creating a positive impact on educational outcomes for all students in their carrier.
Sarah L
Working with the Stronger Smarter Institute has empowered our educators to embrace a culturally rich and inclusive environment. The vision for Stronger Smarter communities is inspiring, and we see positive changes in our students' lives.
Jason M
The Stronger Smarter Institute's dedication to seeing every child succeed in a Stronger Smarter classroom is commendable. Their 'Strong and Smart' approach has become a cornerstone in creating prosperous, safe, and healthy learning environments.
Emily R
Working with the Stronger Smarter Institute has empowered our educators to embrace a culturally rich and inclusive environment. The vision for Stronger Smarter communities is inspiring, and we see positive changes in our students' lives.
Marry Delicate
Working with the Stronger Smarter Institute has empowered our educators to embrace a culturally rich and inclusive environment. The vision for Stronger Smarter communities is inspiring, and we see positive changes in our students' lives.
Jason M
The Stronger Smarter Institute's dedication to seeing every child succeed in a Stronger Smarter classroom is commendable. Their 'Strong and Smart' approach has become a cornerstone in creating prosperous, safe, and healthy learning environments.
Emily R
Explore more programs and be part of the Stronger Smarter Journey
Join, our upcoming programs here!
Join us on this exciting journey of shaping a sustainable and innovative indigenous education platform.
Explore, our more programs here!
Join us on this exciting journey of shaping a sustainable and innovative indigenous education platform.