Performance Edge is an interactive Virtual Reality Training Program designed to help you rise to the challenges of university life. You’ll learn evidence-based tools to stay steady under pressure, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and perform at your best when it matters most.

Delivered by the Counselling Service at the University of Newcastle, each session is guided by professional staff who will support you as you build skills you can use for life.

What to expect?

Performance Edge includes six powerful modules, completed over five sessions. The program is designed for you to work through a new module each week.

Each 60-minute session includes:

  • A quick introduction to using the Virtual Reality headset

  • Around 40 minutes of interactive learning in virtual reality

  • A supportive debrief to help you apply the skills to your life.

Who is this suitable for?

Performance Edge is a great fit for:

  • Students who want to build confidence, manage stress and respond more effectively to challenges

  • The activity requires a basic level of English reading skills

It may not be suitable if you:

  • Experience significant motion or cyber sickness

Are there any risks?

  • A small number of people (5%) may experience mild cyber sickness (similar to motion sickness symptoms). This usually passes quickly once the headset is removed.

  • Some scenarios in the modules contain swearing and verbal aggression. These activities can be skipped. Please speak to the facilitator if concerned.

2026 Session Dates

The following dates have been scheduled for 2026:


Callaghan Campus

Location for all sessions: Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

1 – 2pm Wed 4th Feb

(Week 2)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Session 2

1 - 2pm Wed 11th Feb

(Week 3)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Session 3

1 - 2pm Wed 18th Feb

(Week 4)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 4

1 - 2 pm Wed 25th Feb

(Week 5)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 5

1 - 2 pm Wed 4th March

(Week 6)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions


NUspace Campus -  Weeks 7 - 8, Semester 1 2026

Location for all sessions: Room X321, NUspace/City Campus

It is okay if you cannot attend all sessions; just register and attend those you can.


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

10.30 – 12pm Mon 16th March

(Week 7)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Session 2

10.30 – 12pm Thurs 19th March

(Week 7)

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 3

11 – 12pm Mon 23rd March

(Week 8)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 4

11 – 12pm Thurs 26th March

(Week 8)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions


Gosford Campus - early Semester 2 (Wk 2 - 6)

Dates to be confirmed - register your interest to be notified

Callaghan Campus - late Semester 2 (Wk 7 - 11)

Dates to be confirmed - register your interest to be notified


Not sure? Email us at primaryprevention@newcastle.edu.au if you have any questions

Participant Details

Session Details

Callaghan Campus

Location for all sessions: Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus

While we encourage you attend all sessions, we understand this isn't always possible. You are welcome to book even if you can only come along to some of the sessions. 


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

1 – 2pm Wed 4th Feb 2026

(Week 2)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Session 2

1 - 2pm Wed 11th Feb 2026

(Week 3)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Session 3

1 - 2pm Wed 18th Feb 2026

(Week 4)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 4

1 - 2pm Wed 25th Feb 2026

(Week 5)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 5

1 - 2pm Wed 4th March 2026

(Week 6)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions

NUspace/City Campus

Location for all sessions: Room X321, City Campus

While we encourage you attend all sessions, we understand this isn't always possible. You are welcome to book even if you can only come along to some of the sessions. 


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

10.30 – 12pm Mon 16th March

(Week 7)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Session 2

10.30 – 12pm Thurs 19th March

(Week 7)

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 3

11 – 12pm Mon 23rd March

(Week 8)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 4

11 – 12pm Thurs 26th March

(Week 8)

Module 6 - Responding Effectively to Emotions

Risks and consent to participate

Please be aware of the following risks:

  • There is a low risk of developing mild cybersickness symptoms. Symptoms mimic motion sickness: headache, eyestrain, or mild nausea. The effects occur in about 5% of the population. You may be more susceptible if you are prone to severe motion sickness. Cybersickness symptoms are not long lasting and pass shortly after the headset is removed.

  • Some modules contain scenarios that evoke strong emotions and show swearing and verbal aggression, which could be triggering. This exercise can be skipped - please speak to the facilitator for advice if concerned.