Frequently asked questions.

Logistics Meeting

What is the purpose of the logistics meeting? The purpose of this meeting is to ensure everyone understands how the program is delivered and to provide an opportunity for us to learn more about your students so we can tailor the program to their needs.

It is important that the teacher who will be supporting the students to deliver the program attends this meeting. This allows us to answer questions and ensure they are confident in supporting the program throughout the year.

After the meeting, we provide support resources to help your school communicate with parents, teachers, and families. Evidence shows that the program works best when all stakeholders are informed, prepared, and aligned in their understanding.

Program Overview

What is the overall timeline and structure of the SUP program? You can view a visual representation of the SUP Program via this link.

Sessions 1 and 2

How are these sessions delivered? The program kicks off with a 1.5-hour session for the whole student cohort. At the end of this session, around 20–40 students are selected to become SUP Student Leaders (we call them “the Leaders”). These students will take the lead in delivering the program throughout the year, and we’re not looking for the loudest voices, just those who are enthusiastic and keen to make a difference.

We then run a second 1.5-hour session just for those selected Leaders. This is where they get the tools, confidence, and support to step into their leadership roles.

It’s essential that the Lead Teacher is present for both of these sessions, as they’ll play a key role in supporting the Leaders throughout the year.

How are SUP Student Leaders selected? Student Leaders are selected at the conclusion of Session 1. Students are invited to express their interest by volunteering, and school staff are encouraged to consider who might benefit from, or contribute meaningfully to, the program. Typically, 20 to 40 students are selected collaboratively by the SUP facilitator and school staff. The key attributes we look for are enthusiasm and a willingness to participate.

Parent and Teacher Sessions

What is the purpose of the parent and teacher sessions? Check out our learning objectives of these sessions here.

How are the Parent and Teacher Sessions delivered? SUP staff co-facilitate the session with Student Leaders using a PowerPoint presentation. Leaders contribute as they feel confident, with support from the facilitator. Topics typically include:

  • Bullying

  • The Bystander Effect

  • Upstanding

  • The Four D’s

  • Pluralistic Ignorance

Leaders may speak from memory or read from the slides, whichever is more comfortable. There’s no requirement to prepare a speech in advance, though students are encouraged to review the Learning Resource beforehand.

Are all teachers expected to attend the Teacher Session? Ideally, yes. A whole-staff approach ensures consistency and reinforces the importance of the initiative.

Who should attend the Parent Session? All families are welcome. Typically, the parents and carers of SUP Student Leaders attend, as well as other families who are interested in the school’s approach to preventing bullying and promoting leadership.

Supporting SUP Student Leaders

How do schools support Student Leaders to prepare and deliver sessions? Is there a suggested timeline? Most schools provide regular time for Student Leaders to meet, commonly 30-minute sessions every two weeks. In the lead-up to delivery, it’s helpful to:

  • Schedule ongoing planning meetings with Student Leaders

  • Pair students or create small leadership teams

  • Practise delivering the session plan in these smaller teams

Are all Student Leaders involved in delivery? Yes, typically all leaders participate. For example, three student leaders might be assigned to one classroom, with other groups delivering to additional classes simultaneously.

Are student-led sessions delivered to individual classes or larger year-level groups? Sessions are most effective when delivered to individual classes or small groups (approximately 30–35 students).

Would it be helpful for leaders to present a trial session beforehand? Yes. A trial session, delivered to peers of a similar age, can help leaders build confidence, gather feedback, and refine their presentation before delivering to younger students.

Are SUP Leaders expected to present at assemblies or share reflections? Many schools choose to have leaders speak during school assemblies. This might include reflections on their experience or updates on the project. Some students volunteer for specific speaking roles.

I’m the Lead Teacher and I’m finding it difficult to support the leaders, what can I do? That’s absolutely okay. We understand that supporting student leaders can be challenging at times. SUP offers complimentary drop-in sessions where our facilitators can work directly with the students and provide guidance to you as well. Just reach out and we’ll arrange a time that works for your school.

Student Project Groups and Resources

What project groups are typically formed during Session 2? Common student-led project groups include:

  • Canva + Poster Design – Create visual materials to promote Upstanding.

  • Assembly Presentations – Prepare messages and presentations for school assemblies.

  • Newsletter articles – Develop articles for the school newsletter.

  • Voice Heard Projects – Create initiatives that ensure diverse student voices are heard.

Are Student Leaders expected to edit or personalise the Canva slides? Yes. Leaders are encouraged to personalise the presentation slides. A designated Student Captain can be assigned to manage and update the slides using the Canva link.

Does it matter if students don’t achieve everything they planned, or if some students drop out? No. It’s completely expected that some Student Leaders may step back over the course of the year, and that not all projects will be fully completed. This is perfectly okay. The Stand-Up Project is a student-led program, and the most important part is that students are given the opportunity to lead, take initiative, and try to deliver on what they’ve planned. It’s the process—not perfection—that drives growth, confidence, and impact.

Program Outcomes and Evaluation

How is student voice incorporated, and how is success measured?
Student voice is at the heart of how SUP is evaluated and how success is defined. You can view our empowerment model via this link. At the end of the program, Student Leaders reflect on three key questions:

  • What went well with your program?

  • What could be improved?

  • Did you feel like this program was yours?

These reflections help ensure students are heard and that the program continues to evolve based on their lived experience.

Each school receives an evaluation report summarising:

  • The personal goals Student Leaders feel they achieved (e.g. increased confidence, stronger leadership)

  • The impact they believe they had on school culture (e.g. improved relationships, more inclusive behaviours)

  • Feedback collected from younger peers who attended the student-led sessions

SUP defines success through student growth, ownership, and the lasting impact leaders have on their school community.

Further Support

I have other questions that are not answered here. Who do I contact? Feel free to reach out to your facilitator directly or email info@thestandupproject.com