Welcome to our toolkit of practical help
Below is a practical ‘one-stop-shop’ that can help you with:
- understanding what Schools First is all about
- your Schools First application
- your partnership
- Schools First Support Templates
To view or download a document click on an image or link below.
Understanding what Schools First is all about
Schools First 2009 Public Report (PDF)
The Schools First 2009 Public Report provides a snapshot of the Schools First program in its inaugural year including how the program was brought to life, developing the awards criteria, the judging process, the applications received, the inaugural winners and looking ahead to 2010.
Download report (2.23MB PDF)
What is Schools First - introductory flyer (PDF)
This flyer gives you a broad overview of what Schools First is
all about. It tells our story from who we are and the award
categories to how the program works and the benefits.
Download flyer (1.64MB PDF)
Inspiring partnerships – Fairfax 4-page lift out (PDF)
While this lift out is from June 2009, there are still some nuggets
of good information.
You'll not only find some background to Schools First and the partners behind it as well as outlines the steps involved in the application process and some case studies.
Download lift out (1.89MB PDF)
2009 winning schools and their stories
Watch our video case studies about some of the school-community partnerships that won in 2009.
They're a great showcase of some of the inspiring partnerships the program is recognising and rewarding.
You can also find some other great examples of partnerships in that section too!
Your Schools First Application
2010 Schools First Awards Application Pack
The following documents form the Schools First Awards Application Pack. These documents will assist you with your application for a Schools First Award in 2010.
Your Partnership
Key features of effective school-community partnerships (PDF)
This fact sheet outlines some of the key characteristics that help
make a school-community partnership successful.
Download factsheet (106KB PDF)
What is sound evidence? (PDF)
Sound evidence is required in support of both an Impact or Seed Funding Award application. For each award category there are five evidence-based criteria. This fact sheet outlines some of the evidence that can be used in support of your application for a Schools First Award for each criteria.
Download factsheet (98KB PDF)
Schools First Support templates
To help you project manage, plan and track your school-community partnership,
we’ve put together some support templates and examples for you to download and use.
1. Schools First Project Management Checklist
To use throughout every stage of your partnership initiation,
completion and evaluation.
Download Checklist (Word 94KB)
2. Schools First Project Plan
A framework to help you articulate the key aspects of your project.
Download Template (Word 82KB)
Download Example (Word 85KB)
3. Schools First Time, Talent and Treasure Chart
To document the physical and intellectual resources within
your community and any gaps you may need to fill.
Download Template (Word 82KB)
Download Example (Word 86KB)
4. Schools First Key Milestones Chart
To plan out the key milestones along your journey.
Download Template (Word 88KB)
Download Example (Word 95KB)
5. Schools First Gantt Chart
To plan out your project tasks and milestones and see what
needs to happen when.
Download Template (Excel 764KB)
Download Example (Excel 765KB)
6. Schools First Risk Assessment
To identify and demonstrate the level of risk affecting the process
and outcomes of your partnership.
Download Template (Word 93KB)
Download Example (Word 92KB)
7. Schools First Project Report
To help track your partnership’s progress and performance,
outlining any changes proposed or risks identified.
Our Winning Schools do this every six months.
Download Template (Word 85KB)
8. Schools First Budget Planner
To help you generate six-monthly or expenditure/income statements
based on user inputs and project estimated vs. actual income and expenses.
Download Template (Excel 764KB)
Useful Links
Tips for Applying
General FAQs
Application FAQs
NAB volunteering


