The Rock and Water Program is Evidenced Based
Rock and Water is a highly successful, evidenced based international educational program. In Australia over 15,000 teachers, youth workers, chaplains and counsellors have received training since the program was introduced by Freerk Ykema in 1998.
Rock and Water Australia manages all Rock and water accreditation training in NSW, ACT, TAS, WA, SA, NT and VIC, in partnership with the Gadaku Institute of the Netherlands. Following the successful school’s accreditation program in the Netherlands, Rock and Water Australia is offering the same award to schools in Australia that meet the criteria for recognition as a Rock and Water school.
Research by Rutgers WPF and the Trimbos Institute
Research by Rutgers WPF and the Trimbos Institute (peer reviewed and published in the international Journal of Sexual Aggression, April 2015) has shown that the psychophysical resilience programme Rock and Water helps to boost self-confidence, curb impulsive behaviour and deter sexually transgressive behaviour in boys. The whole article can be found HERE
Measuring psycho-social skills development after implementing the R&W program
This study examined the development of psycho- social skills for a small group of junior boys after participating in the Rock and Water program. The psycho-social skills measured included the three foundations skills of Rock and Water: self-control, self-reflection and self-confidence. Also investigated were self-respect and general social skills. Several assessments were conducted one of which was the ASEBA (pre and post implementation). Multi cross informants were used. Results showed positive outcomes post intervention and suggestions for future study are explored. Click here to view the full article
Comparitive Study of Primary School Children
The latest scientific research from Europe has just been released. Rock and Water decreases bullying and depressive feelings, and increases self-esteem, self-regulation and social acceptance….all our kids and schools should be involved! To read the research click here: Results National Research Anti Bullying program
Rock and Water Intervention Positively Affects Development of Middle School pupils.
The latest study investigating the effectiveness of Rock and water training was conducted by the University of Utrecht, in Holland. The study, conducted between 2016 and 2019, involved 1,299 students across 13 schools .
Results show that students who have had the R&W intervention show better development on multiple outcomes in both the interpersonal domain (aggression) and the intrapersonal domain (psychological well-being, sexual autonomy, internalizing behaviour) and on secondary outcome measures (self-control and emotion regulation), compared to the students who did not receive the R&W intervention.
It was noted that the outcomes were strongest in the first year and when a core team of teachers was involved in the implementation of the intervention.
The full article can be viewed here
Promoting Positive Youth Development Through School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Follow-up Effects
Though Rock and Water is not included in this intervention analysis as the majority were US based programmes, this summary explains the positive and long lasting effects of school-based SEL interventions assessed six months to 18 years after their completion. Click HERE
Elizabeth Vale Rock and Water Program – Program Summary and Qualitative Evaluation
A whole-school approach to the Rock and Water program was conducted by Connected Self for Newly Arrived Young People who were students of Elizabeth Vale Primary School. The evaluation reviews the program, summarises the qualitative evaluation and provides recommendations for future programming. The evaluation has had contributions from Tim Brenton (program facilitator), Andrew Cenuich (program reviewer) and Ivan Raymond (psychologist). Click HERE
An Action Research Project examining Anger and Aggression with Rural Adolescent Males participating in the Rock & Water Program.
The Rock and Water Program (RWP) was used as a means of contacting 187 rural adolescent males from four schools on the north coast of New South Wales Australia in order to explore their views relating to anger and aggression as well as their perception of the RWP. Click HERE
Murraylands Rock and Water Program – Program Summary and Qualitative Evaluation
A whole-school approach to the Rock and Water program was conducted by Connected Self in the Murrylands region. The evaluation reviews the program, summarises the qualitative evaluation and provides recommendations for future programming. The evaluation has had contributions from Tim Brenton (program facilitator), and Ivan Raymond (psychologist). Click HERE