SCRAM News
Education Expo 2008
The Western Australian Dispute Resolution Association’s (WADRA), Schools Conflict Resolution and Mediation (SCRAM) recently showcased the program to teachers and educators at Education Expo 2008 at the Claremont Showgrounds on 16th & 17th July.
Steve Godden (Expo Co-ordinator) from best Performance discusses with SCRAM committee Member Gillian Eattell the SCRAM program.
At the Expo we provided more detailed information to expo attendees, predominantly teachers, by using a visual experience of students participating in the SCRAM program with the multimedia DVD display of two finalist schools. The DVD is available by contacting Julia Carr Co-ordinator of SCRAM (no charge).
Committee members volunteered their time to assist in promoting the SCRAM program and to interact with teachers and answer questions. The interest generated from teachers was very encouraging and we hope to see an increase in the school participation rate in the year ahead. Several rural, regional and remote schools were delighted to find that SCRAM is equipped to reach their areas and able to provide experienced mediators to attend the schools to assist in administering the program. The WADRA - SCRAM subcommittee endeavours to achieve inclusivity and equality to all participating schools.
A special thanks to Best Performance Pty Ltd for providing the opportunity to participate in the Expo through their sponsorship of a discounted booth and to Estill & Associates for providing the graphic designs for the display boards and the use of multimedia equipment for the demonstration DVD. Minute Man Press provided the printing of the multi-purpose display boards.
SCRAM benefits from annual sponsorship from ECU’s Faculty of Business and Law, LEADR – Association of Dispute Resolvers, IAMA – The Institute of Mediators and Arbitrators Australia, Legal Aid WA, Citizen Advice Bureau, Relationship Australia and CentreCare each of which contributed to the display at the Expo.
The volunteers who assisted at the Expo all agreed that it was a very worthwhile and exciting two days and much interest was generated. A big thank-you to everyone who assisted in making it possible to participate in Education Expo 2008!
WA Grand Final
ECU Faculty of Business & Law will host the 2008 WA Grand Final. It will be held at ECU’s Joondalup Campus on Thursday 21 August 2008 commencing 7 pm. View the WA Grand Final invite for further details.
The two top finalist schools will demonstrate their knowledge of conflict resolution principles and mediation skills before a panel of expert mediators who will decide this year’s competition winner. The winner will then represent WA in the national grand final to be held at the National Mediation Conference in September.
More details soon.
The Inaugural National Grand Final
The National Grand Final of the SCRAM (Schools Conflict Resolution and Mediation) competition will see the top ranking schools from NSW and WA demonstrate their knowledge and skills to be crowned national mediation school champions for 2008.
The National Grand Final will be held:
Date: Wednesday 10 September
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Place: Hyatt Regency Perth
99 Adelaide Terrace,
Perth, Western Australia, Australia 6000
SCRAM is an interactive mediation role-play competition for year 9 and 10 students. Teams are taught the principles and skills involved in mediation. SCRAM aims to teach students positive approaches to resolving conflict by enhancing communication skills, which include negotiation, decision-making, active listening, analysing, questioning, empathising, and creative and logical thinking.
The two schools competing at the National Mediation Conference have been through a series of adjudicated mock mediations and have been adjudicated as the winning team in each State. They will be displaying their skills and knowledge live at the conference as they work through a simulated dispute. This session is a wonderful opportunity to see talented young Australians put the mediation process into action.
The SCRAM program is funded through grants and sponsorship. It is coordinated and delivered by a team of dedicated multidisciplinary professionals trained in mediation who all work with the program in a voluntary capacity. For further information about SCRAM, please visit the State websites:
www.scram.business.ecu.edu.au
http://www.lawsociety.com.au/page.asp?partID=6935
Curriculum Council Application
Once again SCRAM has applied to the Curriculum Council for endorsement of the SCRAM program. To find our more please read the application (DOC 910 KB).
WA Dispute Resolution Association are listed on the Curriculum Council website as an endorsed personal development program. View further information at the bottom of their Endorsed programs page.
2008 National Mediation Standards
Accreditation under the National Standards is not a requirement at the moment, it is voluntary, however mediators can choose to be accredited or not under the Standards. One way to gain points towards national accreditation is by participating in SCRAM as a coach or adjudicator. For more information please refer to LEADR web site www.leadr.com.au/accreditation.htm
News Update
There are 9 teams competing in the 2008 including schools from Rockingham, Margaret River and Albany regions. The SCRAM program will be expanding into the Northam region with the Northam Community Legal Centre being successful in obtaining funding to administer and support the competition locally. The competition will be introduced in the schools this year with a view to competing in the program in 2009.
