What is the Study Without Stress Online Program?

Study Without Stress (SWoS) Online is a program for students in years 11 and 12 that equips them with knowledge and practical tips on how to overcome stress associated with the final years of high school. It can be completed by students during or outside of classes in one school term and is ideal for students already experiencing high stress levels.

The Study Without Stress Program has its theoretical basis in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which means it focuses on teaching skills to manage stress.

The Program has been designed specifically to support students in coping with academic stress during their final years of secondary school.

The program covers these topics

• Education about stress (causes, symptoms, role of stress)
• Goal setting
• Managing exam expectations and beliefs
• Creating effective timetables
• Learning how thoughts can affect academic performance
• Challenging negative or unhelpful thinking patterns
• Understanding perfectionism and procrastination
• Tips to deal with work avoidance
• Procedures for problem solving
• Exam preparation

Are you a teacher interested in the Program?

SWoS Online is a collaborative group program, which allows for students will be guided through the program by a SWoS trained facilitator. This training is available for school counsellors, psychologists, teachers and other professionals working in wellbeing/mental health support roles (e.g., pastoral care teachers, wellbeing staff) with relevant qualifications and experience. Click here for further information on becoming a SWoS facilitator.

Are you a student interested in the Program?

Check with your school’s wellbeing team to learn if they offer the Program. Otherwise, the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre (previously known as the Centre for Emotional Health), located at Macquarie University, is able to offer the Program during individual therapy sessions. For more information, please visit our website here, send us an email at ehc.admin@mq.edu.au, or phone 02 9850 8711.

What will students learn from the Program?

Skills to deal with stress will be presented and discussed in each session, but you will need to apply these skills during the week to get the most out of the course. The Program has 8 modules with activity sheets to complete.