EXPLAIN Lesson:

Incursion Skype
Curriculum standard:

As students work towards the achievement of Level 6 standards in Communication, they use their
understanding of communication conventions to communicate effectively with peers and to respond
appropriately when they are part of an audience; for example, by waiting for the communication of
others to be completed before responding. (Communication)
When making meaning, students continue to develop skills in asking clarifying questions and seeking
validation of their interpretations from their peers. (Communication)
Clarify understanding of content as it unfolds in formal and informal situations, connecting ideas to
students own experiences and present and justify a point of view (ACELY1699) (Literacy)
Students compare their beliefs and values with others, and consider how these influence feelings and
behaviour. (Interpersonal Development)

Introduction:
Talk about the organisation Beyond Blue. Bring up their website and go through how the
organisation works. Highlight the forms of contact to the people who work with Beyond Blue; the
phone number details, and the Chat Online section. The introduction to the lesson should only
be short due to wanting as much time for the incursion as possible.
Body:
Activity 1:
Incursion with a member from Beyond Blue.
Pre-discussed with the member from Beyond Blue would be a list of specified questions you want
answered, and the main theme you are looking at.
The main theme to discuss is about depression and how self-image effects mood. It would also be
very important to look at what possible scenarios, makes a person feel down; peer pressures,
bullying. Cyber bullying is a fantastic aspect to have spoken about due to the technological theme
of the unit. It is also very important because cyber bullying is becoming a very modern and large
issues in schools in the 21st century.
Students are more inclined to listen to someone from the outside rather than their teacher about
these ideas and conflicts.
During the incursion, the students should be sitting back and absorbing everything theyre
listening to. I would steer clear from having them write. Beforehand ask that Beyond Blue have
handouts or some form of script of information that is said that can be given to the students, that
way theyre not getting distracted by writing down the information. They able to sit back and
listen and ask questions.
Web links: https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/get-involved-and-help-others/join-bluevoices
https://login.skype.com/login?client_id=578134&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.skype.com%
2F

Extension activity:
Make the pledge!
Students have a good think about one main factor of themselves they would like to improve; a
goal to help make them feel content. It is long term, 6-month pledge.
Examples:
Improve my physical health
Take time to get out in the fresh air and exercise more
Make time to keep in better contact with my family and friends
Focus on the glass half full moments
Don't let the 'small' things becomes a 'big' thing
Not be so hard on myself:
Learn to relax more and give myself credit for the things I am good at
These pledges would need to be visible on their personal tablets so that they can remind
themselves to keep going at it, without forgetting. It is personal, however the teacher should be
aware of the pledge they have chosen to ensure it is appropriate. It is confidential between the
teacher and the specific student though; not to be discussed with other members of the class.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/make-your-mental-health-pledge
Conclusion:
After the incursion, it important to have a de-brief about what they have listened to and discussed
with the Beyond Blue member.
Talk about the positive and negative aspects of the Skype incursion

Detailed Reference:
https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/get-involved-and-help-others/join-bluevoices
Beyond Blue Voices allows people to connect from across the globe to support each other. It allows
various community members to support each other.

https://login.skype.com/login?client_id=578134&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.skype.com%2F
Skype provides the service of calling, especially face-to-face video calls, free of charge; all you need
is a connection to the internet. It is a great platform for conference calls with anyone anywhere in
the world.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/make-your-mental-health-pledge
The Mental Health Pledge allows you to register with Beyond Blue who will keep you on track with
your goal. It is focused on keeping healthy minds; feeling good about ourselves.