Rites of Passage program: Helping young men discover and manage feelings
Young men are confused — about role models, emotions and life in general. As a result, Cherrybrook Technology High School is confronting the challenges in its Rite of Passage program.
Young men are confused — about role models, emotions and life in general.
As a result, Cherrybrook Technology High School is confronting the challenges in its Rite of Passage program that gets boys out of the classroom and instils them with confidence.
Teachers Richard Pedley-Smith and Wade Fairclough lead the two-year program for 15 boys in Years 9 and 10.
The group works with Alpha Jiu-Jitsu at Dural to teach positive masculinity and how to handle aggression.
“It’s not a program for naughty boys — it’s a program helping them if they’re disengaged or underachieving,’’ Mr Pedley-Smith said.
“A lot of them don’t feel like they belong so, while we’re a high achieving, academic or sporting school, they’re not academic, they want to be tradesmen or open their own business and some want to join the defence force.”
Mr Pedley-Smith said the program’s main aim was to boost the boys’ self esteem.
“It’s generally at the heart of the issue and they’re unable to express their emotions,’’ he said.
“All men know anger or laughter. Laughing or anger seems to be the only emotions that are readily accepted. Anxiety or depression are suppressed.”
At the centre of the program boys are asked “What makes a good man?”
“People are confused what a role model is,’’ Mr Pedley-Smith said.
“Is it the guy with the tattoos, the muscles and the pretty girlfriend?”
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The group is the second to participate in the program, which started three years ago.
“(At the end of the program), kids are more willing to engage and open up about their struggles and willing to back themselves,’’ Mr Pedley-Smith said.
Last year, the group and Steve “The Commando” Willis raised $10,000 for the Commando Welfare Trust after trekking 60km for 24 hours through very rugged terrain.
The funds raised $10,000 that was directed to families who lost their father, husband or partner and to help combat PTSD.
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