Protecting our Schools
HardTarget has purpose-specific courses that are currently being implemented in New Zealand schools. Some of the work our Head Trainer and Founder Q conducted in the very early days was teaching school children 'self-defence'. As the company has matured, he has found himself completing a full circle back to his passion of working with both educators and students within schools. At the same time, bringing all his experience and knowledge from many years of training all over the world, with military, security, law enforcement, corporations and international professional development back to New Zealand with a community focus.
As a teacher, you interact with people at a vital time in their lives. This means from time to time you will be involved in the need to protect children from outside threats and conflict situations within the school due to a wide range of factors. As students, this is an opportunity for immense growth, as HardTarget's trainers are experts in helping children understand themselves better when it comes to their emotions and dealing with situations that arise proactively. Helping students to have the tools to recognise and respond appropriately when they feel overwhelmed in any scenario is key.
HardTarget aligns itself with the Ministry of Education Te Tahuhu o te Matauranga guidelines for all courses, so you can feel secure that you are using the right concepts at the right time.
The Courses
LOCKDOWN AND LOCKOUT
A dynamic course covering the strategies of responding to an active threat within a school in a manner that mitigates the effects of sudden incidents. This program incorporates the psychological process of managing high-stress situations, evaluating risk, decision-making, and confidently taking action. Within this program, we importantly integrate pre-incident indicators to provide staff with the tools to confidently identify risks and respond proactively. This is a proven approach, aligning with Ministry of Education guidelines.
PROTECTING DISTRESSED STUDENTS
Providing teachers and all educational staff with the confidence to manage distress and de-escalate conflict. Alongside this, the ability to guide, assist and restrict movement safely in an evaluated, proportionate and appropriate manner. These are crucial skills that protect our students and all those who surround them in the pivotal moments in their lives. Core skills can be applied confidently to their individual needs, with confidence that they are aligning with Ministry of Education guidelines for physical restraint legislation.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS EMOTIONS
We've all heard the saying "We don't know what we don't know." Within a conflict, this lack of knowledge of the options available to you can turn what could have been a minor incident into a negative life-changing experience. Through providing proven strategies that resonate with the student, we empower them with the tools to become present and self-aware, as they manage their emotional state. Incorporating productive communication and the ability to express themselves effectively. Conflict is emotional and dynamic, which can be quite scary for us all. Feeling safe and supported at school creates a culture of community.
"Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow so will the shape of Aotearoa."
Dame Whina Cooper
Principal Testimonials
Hear what our leaders have to say.
Principal of Pukekohe North School, Jim Stafford-Bush
“It changed our whole way of thinking, it made us worried about New Zealand and what we’re being taught so far in terms of lockdown situations.”
“Our staff so enjoyed the day, it was practical and we were very engaged. Two weeks later after the school holidays, our staff were still talking about the professional development that Q had taken us through, many said it was the best PD they had ever had.”
Principal of Kaitaia College, Louise Anaru
“I’ve been a principle for over 15 years now and have been in a number of situations where I needed to ensure students safety.”
“We have the expert facilitating it, in a way which is engaging and fun, and you walk away knowing what to do. My staff feel more confident in terms of how to communicate, how to read the situation, and how to de-escalate and restrict movement safely if needed.”
