The Odyssey Program
in school workshops for adolescent boys
WorkshopsThe Odyssey Program workshops cover a variety of topics of interest to teenage boys. They are continually revised and updated to keep pace with the changing needs of youth culture. During the workshops we provide handouts, activities, materials, prizes, a gift for every boy, and a copy of "The Odyssey" by Homer for your library. After the event, we send you a detailed copy of the boys' feedback, a media release, and a special DVD of the boys engaging in the workshops. This is a wonderful keepsake to show your school and community what the boys experienced during the day. Schools are encouraged to tailor the program to their needs by selecting workshops of interest. Workshop titles are listed below. Click the name for more information on that workshop. + WHAT’S UP MAN? (Identity and Masculinity) Identity and Masculinity When does a boy become a man? What are the qualities that make up a healthy and responsible man? With media only portraying ‘maleness’ in a one dimensional form, boys are presented with a restricted idea of what a man looks and behaves like. This workshop challenges boys to redefine the social construction of masculinity, power and success, and to search for new role models that can offer them healthy qualities they may wish to integrate into themselves. + ME & MY MATES (Mateship and Support) Mateship and Support Boys have historically been silent about their feelings and emotions but it doesn’t need to be this way. This workshop explores friendship:
+ GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (Relationships with Girls) Relationships with Girls This workshop asks boys to identify media’s representation of male to female relationships and then challenges them to question if these are real, obtainable or even desirable. If these are not satisfying relationships – what do they want and what are the qualities that make up healthy relationships between men and women? We urge boys to show their true selves in their relationships with girls. The workshop also explains why diversity is needed, what “NO” means, how girls feel about themselves and what they want in relationships. + MY SHOUT (Self Protection / Drinking and Drugs) Self Protection / Drinking and Drugs Many of society’s messages convey that partying hard is a large element of a boy’s initiation into manhood. As boys are under increasing pressure to experiment with alcohol and drugs, education and safety are key. 2008 research found: During the workshop the psychological and physical, short and long term effects of alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, and volatile substances are explored in depth. The consequences, and legalities of using drugs and harm minimisation strategies are also discussed. + THE "S" WORD (Sexuality) Sexuality During adolescence testosterone is at an all time high but hormones only play one part in a person’s sexuality. Issues of gender, male empowerment, respect, homosexuality, relationships and self protection, respect, pornography and desensitization, and masturbation are all discussed in this workshop. Statistics show that only 40% of Yr 12 students use a condom and 1 in 4 teenagers report they were either drunk or high during their last sexual encounter. Especially alarming is that 24.4% of Yr 10 boys did not feel confident in saying “No” to unwanted sex. Issues surrounding sexuality will be discussed in an age appropriate and respectful manner. + BREAK IT UP (Anger Management) Anger Management This workshop has been developed in response to schools requesting anger management strategies for their boys. Adolescence is fraught with many obstacles one of which is how to control emotions especially anger. Many boys feel they have no control over this emotion and need strategies in which to feel they can manage it themselves. This workshop explores: Boys are also challenged to select 3 strategies to assist them to manage their anger and to make positive decisions verses acting on impulse thereby allowing their emotions to control their lives and dictating their choices. + DECISIONS, DECISIONS (Decision making, Problem solving and De-stressing) Decision making, Problem solving and De-stressing Boys are notorious for doing before thinking and then stressing about what they have done or not done. This workshop will look at what decisions they have already made in their lives, and then arm them with skills in critical evaluation, problem solving and lateral thinking to question if they will continue to make the same or different choices. It will also cover how to set goals and get there! How to breathe and tips for de-stressing and for reducing anxiety are also covered. + WHAT YA’ GONNA DO? (Disengaged Learners) Disengaged Learners This workshop encourages re-engagement with education and learning for those boys who have previously found school to be a challenge. To assist boys to reengage they need to understand how they learn and how to use this to their advantage. We use stories of survivors and thrivers, examples of healthy and unhealthy risk taking, redefining courage, we also discuss how to achieve life balance and how not to take on the victim role in life. + MY BRAIN HURTS (Study Skills) Study Skills Whether it is preparing for entering Senior School, transitioning from Middle to Upper or the Final year, how to study is a skill that can be learnt and then applied all through life. How to sort through information, select the relevant pieces, retain and then apply information, and how they learn as individuals will all be covered in this workshop. The boys will also see what contribution people with learning disabilities can make to the world and be encourage to become a ‘student of life.’ |
 Enquiries & BookingsInterested in bringing The Odyssey Program workshops to your school? Contact us today! FeedbackIf you want to read what boys in secondary schools around Australia thought about The Odyssey Program workshops, take a look at the Feedback / Client Schools page. Search |