The 12 Buckets program offers a flexible and innovative pathway to help develop independent young people contributing to their community through honed skills and generosity.
12 Buckets currently operates in four primary schools in Perth’s north, including Balga Primary School. Selected students have the opportunity to participate in one or more of the following programs: tailored mentoring; a basketball program; a university aspiration program; and debating.
Tailored Mentoring: primary-aged children are matched with an adult mentor who works with them on a tailored module of learning around a particular life skill, and builds upon the existing strengths and interests of the students. Students complete a project that benefit others in some way. Mentors walk alongside the student, helping them to achieve their goals and to use their own developing skills for the benefits of others.
12 Buckets Rockets Basketball Program: Students are offered the opportunity to be coached by professional players and compete in a full Winter Competition season, in partnership with the Stirling Senators Basketball Club.
University Aspiration Program: 12 Students from each participating school are immersed in university life and learning on four occasions during the school year through our partnership with Curtin University. The excursions and incursions help aspiring students discover a pathway to tertiary education.
Debating Teams: Three top performing students from each school are placed in debating teams to be coached by lawyers from Squire Patton Boggs. The teams will then compete at the annual 12 Buckets Great Debate at the Federal Court of Australia, Perth.
“12 Buckets is an excellent initiative that shows the power of community … and a safe circle of community is a key building block to raising resilient kids. This model could work anywhere.”
Parenting author, educator and resilience specialist Maggie Dent
