Moral Courage is a program to equip high school students with the skills to better navigate social and emotional challenges like consent, identity, vaping, maintaining relationships, responding to challenging peer behaviours and bullying.

Abstract art: Several black circles of varying sizes scattered on a gray background, symbolizing moral courage.

WHO IT’S FOR

This program is for high school students in years 9–10. Workshops are available for schools in all metro and regional areas of NSW. They are run as a series of four sessions lasting 90 minutes each, across the term.

Abstract black symbol of moral courage: two arches with a larger arch above, topped by three rectangles, on a gray background.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

After taking part in our program, students are better equipped to respond to these challenges, helping them act in line with their values and principles, build self-confidence and self-efficacy, improve wellbeing and find their sense of purpose.

Black curved arrow starting from a dot, symbolizing moral courage, direction, or change. Implies a return or cycle, guiding towards resilience.

WHY US

With a combined 105 years of experience, The Ethics Centre and Relationships Australia NSW bring both clinical experience and a history of programs that bring people together in supportive environments to connect and grow.

NAVIGATING COMPLEX SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Students experience a range of challenges throughout their formative years.

High school can be a tough time for many. Students often report a range of situations where they find it difficult to navigate, process and act with confidence aligned to their values and principles while staying connected to others – particularly their close friends. 

Young man with curly hair. Demonstrating moral courage, he looks thoughtful. Close-up portrait, capturing his expression and resolve.

OVERCOMING THE
BYSTANDER EFFECT

Boy and girl sitting on a brown couch, talking

NEGOTIATING CONSENT

Boy looks at camera

NAVIGATING
MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATIONS

A young man ponders moral courage while seated on a leather couch. He wears casual clothes and sneakers, looking thoughtful and introspective.

IDENTIFYING OPTIONS
FOR SELF AND OTHERS

Teen with curly hair, green shirt, embodying moral courage. A confident young person, symbolizing bravery and ethical strength.

PROVIDING AND
SEEKING SUPPORT

Two young women having a conversation about moral courage. They are sitting on a brown leather couch in front of a blue wall.

RESPONDING TO BULLYING

WE HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP SKILLS IN SIX KEY AREAS

  • Developing empathy and appreciating the perspectives of others
  • Identifying values and principles in difficult situations
  • Confidently expressing their values and principles
  • Identifying options and solutions for themselves and others
  • Providing and seeking support
  • Taking action and making courageous decisions
Teenagers on a couch, discussing moral courage. Girl looks at boy, who looks down. They're seated apart on a brown leather couch.

“I learnt some valuable structures and ideas of how to approach some tricky conversations. I really appreciated that we worked through examples that were super relevant to my life and I’ve learnt skills on what to say and how to say it in order to diffuse confrontation, as well as making valuable connections.”
Year 9 Student

Two teens on a leather couch, discussing moral courage. One looks pensive, the other speaks with hand gestures, in casual clothes.

“Who you choose to speak to is important. If you have a friend who is going through something very serious, who do you tell? Do you tell a teacher and that gets back to the parents and makes things worse?”
Year 9 Student

WHAT IS MORAL COURAGE?

Moral courage is about building skills to better deal with challenges that arise when our values and beliefs are challenged.

It’s about standing up and taking action when we see something that we know isn’t right – even when it’s difficult to do so.

This may be because of lack of self-confidence, pressure to go along with our friends, or simply because we have never experienced something before, and don’t know what to do.

Moral courage diagram showing knowing how to respond, speaking up, supporting friends, demonstrating care, and navigating loyalties.

INTRODUCING: COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS

A new 90-minute interactive session, based on the Moral Courage program, is also now available.

Courageous Conversations is a standalone session designed for students in Years 9 and 10, and focuses on practical skills to help students better navigate complex social situations. Read more here or contact us to make a booking.

Two teens on a leather couch, discussing moral courage. One looks pensive, the other speaks with hand gestures, in casual clothes.

BE AN OUTSTANDER, NOT A BYSTANDER

 

THE ETHICS CENTRE     

To find out more about hosting the Moral Courage Program at your school, contact us at kristen.gartrell@ethics.org.au

CONTACT US