Products – Page 9 – Amba Press

We know education is not a level playing field. Those living with early adversity are starting school significantly less likely to complete their education than their peers who have things easier. When educators and schools understand childhood trauma, they are well placed to embed wellbeing practices into every interaction, and when those interactions are trauma-informed and responsive, students’ lives are positively impacted in a deep and enduring way. Safe to Learn offers readers an understanding of behaviour through the lens of trauma and adversity, and provides practical strategies for primary schools and educators to become trauma-informed and responsive in a way that best supports all students, regardless of their life experiences. This book offers guidance for schools to introduce, or expand, a whole-school model of integrated wellbeing practice and support for individual teachers to learn how they can make a significant difference to their students. It also provides the tools to identify which interventions may benefit a student or class as well as ideas for tracking and showing wellbeing growth.

Sam Cat and Nat Rat: Book 1 $9.95

These warm and wonderful readers will delight both students and teachers as they guide young children along the path of written language one step at a time. Written in order and phonetically, each story focuses on specific word groups, sounds and sentence structures. Each story has a beginning, middle and an ending. Succeeding stories build on these skills and then move on to the next level of skill. The books are conceived in much the same way as the "Dick and Jane" readers of an earlier era, but with a very important difference: these stories have a touching "heart content" to them. The stories are gently humorous while honoring nature, animals and the environment. The illustrations in their warm simplicity are wonderful compliments to the stories! Whether you are rewarding an eager reader with a first experience of reading something someone else wrote, or helping a struggling reader get the hang of all those letters, these readers are sheer joy for everyone. The six books use simple words that the early reader will easily grasp. They have been carefully chosen by a reading specialist to help students advance from the short vowels to the silent "e" to the vowel combinations. At the back of each book is a list of sight words that should be reviewed with the child before reading the book. Appropriate for Grades 1-3.

School by Design $39.95

School transformation isn't about programmes – it's about people, pedagogy and place working in harmony. In School by Design, Anne Knock reveals how understanding complexity theory can revolutionise your ability to create thriving learning ecosystems. Drawing from her PhD research exploring the shift from solo to co-teaching as a response to educational complexity, Anne Knock demonstrates that without fundamental changes to how we think about school structures, meaningful transformation remains elusive. This guide explores five essential elements of transformative learning environments and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're a school principal, educational leader, or teacher seeking to amplify your impact, School by Design offers a unique blend of theoretical insights and real-world application. Anne's research shows that the most effective educational transformations understand how to align vision, culture and practice through collaborative approaches. With compelling stories of famous minds who struggled in traditional systems, evidence-based frameworks and actionable tools, this book will help you master the art of educational transformation and become the kind of leader who creates schools where every learner can flourish.

School Philanthropy Handbook $49.95

“Philanthropy responds to a vision more than a need. Its best advocate is the voice.” A strong philanthropic culture enhances a school’s capacity to provide an exceptional education and improve outcomes for all students. The School Philanthropy Handbook explores the role of modern philanthropy in independent schools and provides a framework to establish an enduring culture of giving that will outlast short-term fundraising tactics. Gavan Woinarski’s future-focused model of school philanthropy empowers educational leaders to create a compelling vision and bring people together to connect and inspire prospective donors. He offers practical guidance on how to sharpen funding strategies, unify working groups, develop major gift plans, improve database management and practise good stewardship to secure real philanthropic support. Featuring a wealth of wisdom, tips and templates—with some fascinating stories shared along the way—the School Philanthropy Handbook offers a refreshed look at how schools can embrace a culture of philanthropy that delivers benefits for years to come.

Science in a Garden $64.95

Permaculture expert and educator Ross Mars is back with another collection of hands-on projects and investigations that provide students with opportunities to observe, understand and contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem. You learned the basics of garden design and maintenance through the first book in this series, Life in a garden. Now you can take that knowledge even further with Science in a garden: Activities and projects for the outdoor classroom, Years F–6. Students will follow the journey from theory to final product through the book’s six parts: understanding science in the garden, growth in the garden, changes in the garden, animals in the garden, human use of the garden and products from the garden. Each activity is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: Science and the Australian Curriculum: Technologies as well as the cross-curriculum priority of sustainability. Plus, teachers can use the handy index of curriculum links to assist with their planning. You will love watching your students deepen their understanding of the outdoor environment and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Access more resources and templates from the book here.

Semi-Educated $32.95

‘Everyone knows everything about teachers. They can tell you about their holidays (too long), their days (too short), their whinging (too much), their job (too easy), and their personalities (too bossy). I thought I knew what I was doing when I retrained as a teacher as part of my mid-life crisis. I. Had. No. Idea.’ Georgie wanted to make a difference and do some good in the world. She decided that becoming an English teacher was the perfect solution. She could impart her love of literature to the impressionable young minds of tomorrow as a ‘mature-age’ high-school teacher. Not to mention enjoying the perks of working 9 to 3 five days a week! She had survived years of law, government offices and hobby farming, combined with hand-rearing her own children, so how hard could teaching really be? Well, quite hard as it turned out. Quite hard indeed. A must for teachers, educators, parents and anyone who appreciates dark humour! Read Chapter 1 here.

Seriously Fun Maths $42.95

In Seriously Fun Maths, Dr Laura Tuohilampi changes the narrative of mathematics education into something fascinating, intriguing and something that touches every human. Based on her cutting-edge research she challenges the outdated ways of motivating students around maths. This engaging book provides teachers with research, resources and activities to teach a lesson a month. The rich activities are accessible to young students and deep enough for secondary students. Even adults! This book will help mathematics educators reflect on their skills of orchestrating mathematical discussions and problem-solving. They will learn how to increase students’ engagement in ways that reduce stress-inducing expectations around what a ‘good’ student in maths can and cannot do. Teachers will improve their grasp of what’s important – making mathematics a meaningful experience. Everyone will have serious fun while learning maths!

Shakespeare Simplified $29.95

Demystify the world of Shakespeare with this refreshingly honest and accessible guide. From decoding Shakespeare's unique language and invented words to exploring the timeless themes of love, power and deception across his comedies, tragedies, histories and sonnets, this comprehensive handbook transforms potentially intimidating content into relatable, engaging material. Each chapter builds essential skills for understanding and enjoying Shakespeare's works – whether you're analysing complex characters, tracking themes, or exploring modern adaptations. With practical activities, analysis worksheets, and a healthy dose of humour, this guide equips students with the tools to confidently tackle Shakespeare without getting lost in the 'thous' and 'thees'. Perfect for reluctant readers, this book reveals why the Bard's stories of drama, betrayal and ‘situationships’ still powerfully resonate in today's world.

Shared Responsibility $39.95

Shared Responsibility is a proven, positive approach to beating bullying in Australian schools. At its core is the Shared Responsibility Meeting—a powerful and effective interviewing process that puts an immediate stop to bullying. The process appeals to empathy by putting a real person with real feelings in the place of the object victim.Shared Responsibility looks after the needs of victims, enabling students to cope and survive in a competitive school environment, teaching them how to be and feel safe. The whole school community is invited to share the responsibility for creating and maintaining an educational environment that is happy and safe for all students.The Shared Responsibility process has been trialled at a number of schools with highly positive results. It is simple, straight forward and can be managed by anyone who has basic people skills.

Shearing Time $12.95

Welcome to the Clancy of the Outback series. Eleven-year-old Clancy has been thrust into life out woop-woop. These are the stories of his outback adventures at his uncle’s sheep station, Overflow Station. In this book, Big Bill decides to bring the shearing forward and Mum and Little Bill and Clancy clean the shearers’ quarters. Big Bill is keen to see if Mum will do the cooking for the gang but in the end a cook arrives with the shearers. Little Bill shows Clancy how to throw a fleece and then the rain arrives which means that the whole shearing process must stop. The cook has had enough. When shearing resumes some weeks later Mum does the cooking and it’s a great success. At the conclusion of this book there is the Outback Jokes section, a traditional rhyme ‘Lime Juice Tub” and a glossary of shearing terms. Download the teacher notes here

-12% sale

Simon Breakspear ALL bundle $99.95 $112.80

Get all 3 titles by Dr Simon Breakspear Teaching Sprints (published by Corwin in 2020)The Pruning Principle (published 2024)Elevated Conversations (published August 2025)

Simple Tools $34.95

Simple Tools explores the use of technology in the classroom and offers a considered, student-centric and foundational approach. In this book, teachers will be introduced to the selection of simple digital resources that have a clear purpose and do one thing well. They will be able to identify suitable technology that is quick and easy to set up for classroom use, as well as a host of strategies that will help make learning clear for both teachers and students. Along with recommendations and advice, Simple Tools includes activities for teachers to develop the confidence to select and embed digital resources that have a purposeful fit within an existing practice. Find out how using the Simple Tools approach can be beneficial in your classroom. Finally a book about technology and the classroom that is insightful about both topics. Simple Tools offers teachers practical strategies that they can use to maximise their impact in the classroom immediately.Glen Pearsall, author and education consultant

Skydiving: Book 5 $12.95

Billy Kool was an ordinary boy until he was thrust into the life of an extreme sports TV celebrity. Billy, Sally and Nathan realize that they want their viewers to believe that extreme sports are for anybody. They decide that Basher Brown, the neighbourhood cricket star, should join them in their next sport. Now, Basher, Billy, Sally and Nathan must prepare for the most extreme sport yet; Skydiving! At the end of the book, there is an extreme information section detailing the origins of skydiving, a glossary and a description of the equipment used when skydiving. Part of an 8-book series, the Billy Kool books are informative, empathetic and exciting; targeted to readers and reluctant readers alike ages 8-11 years. Teacher Notes here.

Snowboarding: Book 4 $12.95

Billy Kool was an ordinary boy until he was thrust into the life of an extreme sports TV celebrity. After white-water rafting and bungy jumping, the Xtreme World of Billy Kool is becoming more popular and the TV ratings are getting higher. Billy’s friend, Nathan is sad because his father (who left him when he was young) is coming to visit. Luckily, Nathan cheered up when it came to filming another extreme sport; snowboarding. Nathan’s dad happens to be amazingly good at snowboarding and shows the cast a couple of moves. Ultimately, snowboarding was an extremely fun experience for Billy, Sally and Nathan especially! At the end of the book, there is an extreme information section detailing the origins of snowboarding, a glossary and a description of the equipment used when snowboarding. Part of an 8-book series, the Billy Kool books are informative, empathetic and exciting; targeted to readers and reluctant readers alike ages 8-11 years. Teacher Notes here.

So You Want to Be a Principal $44.95

“The role of independent school principal is a complex and demanding one ... it is one of the most noble and fulfilling roles that anyone could attain.” Dr Paul Teys shares insights gleaned over four decades of teaching, and two decades of principalship in P–12 independent schools in this engaging book. Knitting together his doctoral research and extensive lived experience in the world of Australia’s independent schools, Dr Teys lays down a path for aspiring and early-to-mid career principals to take the next exciting steps in their careers. Providing the latest information and guidance on what it is really like to be a principal of a school these days, Teys offers a glimpse into a world which is not often understood by those, not in the hot seat. Real examples help to illustrate the complex layers associated with leading a school and becoming its CEO. With an earnest combination of strategic focus and personal anecdote, So you want to be a principal is a must-read for the next generation of independent school principals.

Social Smarts Handbook $29.95

Develop the art of social connection with this practical guide designed for teens. From managing emotions and building self-esteem to developing effective communication techniques, this handbook provides a complete roadmap to social success. Learn how to understand others’ behaviours, improve your confidence, and handle bullying and challenging personalities with ease using valuable insights that are broken down into actionable, step-by-step strategies. Through engaging activities and guided reflections across eight essential skill areas, this book transforms complex social concepts into techniques anyone can perfect. Whether you're struggling with difficult relationships or simply want to enhance your social confidence, you'll build the skills needed for meaningful connections in today's complex world.

Starting High School $29.95

The transition from primary to secondary school is a big step, and it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves during this time. As you get ready for this new chapter in your life, it’s important to remember that you have the power to shape your own experience for the better.In Starting High School Leon Furze provides a comprehensive approach to help students confidently navigate the academic, social and emotional aspects of the transition. Learn how to set goals and manage expectations, build your confidence and resilience, and navigate the ups and downs of this exciting new adventure.Full of tips and tricks, this book covers important topics such as time management, communication skills and stress management. Whether you’re in Year 5, Year 6 or about to start secondary school, Starting High School can help you prepare for the changes ahead and give you the confidence you need to succeed.

-5% sale

STEM bundle $94.95 $99.90

Get 2 STEM books in this bundle. Igniting STEM Learning by Dr Adrian BertoliniCreating Authenticity in STEAM Education by Michelle Bradley Only available for online orders.

Coming soon

Stop Think Do Social Skills Training $99.95

Stop Think Do is a social skills programme for use in schools with children who have emotional, social or behavioural difficulties that affect their ability to make friends. The Stop Think Do Social Skills Training: Early Years is suitable for lower primary school ages students, from 4-8 years of age. Stop Think Do Social Skills Training: Early Years covers: Why train social skills and emotional intelligence in children? How to apply the program in classrooms with special needs children, for peer mediators, as a whole school, and with parental involvement Social skills lessons for children aged 4-6 Social skills lessons for children aged 6-8 An overview of the traffic light training posters Pre and post program assessments.

Coming soon

Stop Think Do Social Skills Training $99.95

Stop Think Do is a social skills programme for use in schools with children who have emotional, social or behavioural difficulties that affect their ability to make friends. The Stop Think Do Social Skills Training: Primary Years is suitable for primary school ages students, from 8-12 years of age. Stop Think Do Social Skills Training: Primary Years covers: Why train social skills and emotional intelligence in children? How to apply the program in classrooms with special needs children, for peer mediators, as a whole school, and with parental involvement Social skills lessons for children aged 8-10 Social skills lessons for children aged 10-12 An overview of the traffic light training posters Pre and post program assessments.

Stretch $39.95

Middle leaders are the engine room of school improvement – yet they are too often underprepared, overstretched and under-supported. Stretch: Navigating Pressure and Impact in Middle Leadership is a practical guide for middle leaders navigating the demanding space between classroom and boardroom, between doing and leading. Drawing on decades of real-world leadership experience, Steven Trotter offers honest, research-informed insights into the pressures that define middle leadership, and the strategies that make those pressures manageable, meaningful and ultimately transformative. Structured across three parts, Stretch moves from the lived realities of middle leadership – cognitive load, time pressure, emotional intelligence and role ambiguity – through to six concrete levers for elevating leadership practice, and finally to a set of reflections for leaders building toward the future. This is not a book of tidy answers or one-size-fits-all solutions. It is a guide for leaders willing to pause, reflect and grow – because when the stretch is understood and embraced, it becomes the very engine of lasting impact.

Strong Foundations $89.95

Strong Foundations: Evidence informing practice in early childhood education and care celebrates the progress made by the Australian early childhood education and care profession since the implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework. Recognising this progress, Associate Professor Anna Kilderry and Honorary Professor Bridie Raban lead a team of 33 notable contributors from 11 universities and institutions across Australia, who focus on the challenges of access, equity and quality that remain across the sector. Together with a Foreword by Professor Alison Elliott, Strong Foundations brings together knowledge and insights from research in education, health, social care, child safety, science, mathematics and the arts. The book addresses policy requirements from the Early Years Learning Framework, the National Quality Standard and Quality Improvement Plans and includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. With an emphasis on professional practice expectations, it showcases evidence from Australian and international research and provides case studies of how early childhood educators are applying evidence-informed actions in a wide variety of child care centres and services. Strong Foundations translates high-quality research and supports the everyday practice of early childhood educators and the subsequent long-term outcomes for children in their care, their families and their communities.

Student Wellbeing Handbook $29.95

Being a teenager can be tough. There are changes and challenges to deal with, and seemingly endless priorities competing for your attention. It can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself, but it’s vital for your health and happiness to make self-care part of your daily routine. In the Student Wellbeing Handbook, Leon Furze unpacks the key issues impacting high school students’ mental and physical wellbeing, including mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, water, sleep, resilience, technology, bullying and emotional regulation. In these pages you’ll uncover effective strategies and proven techniques for increasing mindfulness, reducing stress and building resilience, ensuring you’re in the best position to meet the challenges of life and learning with confidence, clarity and a positive mindset.

Study Skills for Ambitious Senior Students $29.95

‘Life is too good for bad study.’ Whether academically ambitious or focused on passing, all students want to get the most out of their study time. Yet while many assume the amount of time we spend studying has the biggest impact on results, it is actually the intensity of our effort that reaps the greatest rewards. Aimed at high school students in years 10 to 12, Study Skills for Ambitious Senior Students reveals how to flex the 8 superhabits of study to develop your mind like a muscle and take your performance to the next level. In this book, experienced teacher and author Scott Francis explores a range of high-performance learning strategies – from the power of purposeful planning and practice questions to the secrets of single-tasking and spaced practice – to supercharge your study and help you achieve your full potential. By putting these superhabits into practice, you will become more efficient as a student and have more time to enjoy the other great things in life. After all, life is too good for bad study!