Social work in schools
Support wellbeing. Lighten the load.
CDU social work students collaborate with NT primary schools through their placements, delivering creative programs that support confidence, resilience, and social skills in school students.
CDU provides professional supervision for the placements, so participating schools can focus on what matters most - their students - without extra pressure.
This project forms part of the Pathways to Practice Program Pilot, which received grant funding from the Australian Government.
Services
The Social Work in Schools (SWIS) program places CDU social work students in NT primary schools to support wellbeing and build stronger school communities.
CDU students use their strengths—such as arts, sport, or mentoring—to run programs that build confidence, resilience, and social skills.
CDU provides full professional supervision, so partnering schools can focus on teaching.
How hosting a CDU social work student can strengthen social and emotional wellbeing in your school:
- Facilitate small group social and emotional wellbeing programs with a focus on emotional literacy and regulation, healthy respectful relationships, online safety initiatives, social skills development, self-awareness, identifying strengths fostering resiliency and self-mastery.
- Individual student wellbeing check-ins, limited to wellbeing, mentoring, case management (not counselling).
- Support staff to help manage students who require individual assistance in the classroom.
- Support whole school events and wellbeing initiatives.
- Develop wellbeing initiatives to support the school community ( students, staff, caregivers and families).
The SWIS program is a collaborative, strengths-based initiative that enhances student wellbeing, while also providing real-world experience for social work students. By embedding future social workers within your school, we create a supportive, engaging environment where students can thrive.
Benefits of the program
Hear from our stakeholders and students and discover the impact of our program.
Teaching and learning
Social Work in Schools (SWIS) is a placement opportunity for social work students. Our services are delivered by social work students in NT primary schools during specific school terms in 2025, with supervision from a CDU social work field educator.
Contact details
Locations
Social Work in School services are delivered at participating primary schools.