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Hands on Learning

Hands on Learning: 54 reasons

Hands on Learning (HoL) is a practical in-school program that helps students to develop personal and social skills, confidence and capacity. Centered around the Four Pillars- A place to belong, People to belong to, Real things to do and A chance to give back - HoL students spend one full day every week outside the classroom working collaboratively on meaningful projects around the school and community. Students thrive when learning through doing - helping build connection, wellbeing, confidence and achievement.

  • NSW
  • QLD
  • Tas
  • Vic

Pricing: Paid

Origin: Developed in Australia for Australian schooling contexts

Affiliations: Save the Children Australia

Product type: Program; Posters; Online resources (e.g. videos, games, tools, readings); Student activities; Professional learning; Learning modules

Contact details

Hands on Learning: 54 reasons
ABN: 99 008 610 035

https://handsonlearning.org.au/

hol@54reasons.org.au

Focus areas

  • Positive relationships

  • Belonging and inclusion

  • Mental health literacy and life skills

  • Self-regulation and engagement

Curriculum alignment

Prospective users

Audience: Targeted small group early intervention (Tier 2)

Context: School or centre-based

Main beneficiaries: Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10

Delivery style: Classroom teacher is trained

Aims & approach

Hands on Learning (HoL) is a Tier 2 intervention for students who are disengaging or at risk of disengagement from school. Up to ten students from Years 4–10 attend the program for one full day each week, learning outside the classroom through practical building, construction, or hospitality projects. The program is delivered by two trained school staff using the evidence‑based HoL methodology, including the HoL Shape of the Day, a structured daily routine that explicitly teaches social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. This consistent structure helps build students’ sense of purpose and belonging, supporting the development of transferable social skills and improved engagement back in the classroom and community. HoL also supports schools through staff training, onsite visits, implementation resources, and impact measurement and reporting.

Implementation support

  • Access to professional facilitator, instructor or mentor
  • Implementation training webinars or modules
  • Ongoing helpdesk, email or phone support
  • Regular webinars or access to community of professional practice

Evidence

Aligned with the CASEL framework and encourages growth mindset

Independent research or a commissioned evaluation report

Internal evaluation report: Testimonials, feedback or other anecdotal evidence

Evidence informed