Kamaruka

Establishing a positive school cycle School overview

KAMARUKA is an independent school catering to boys from years 2 to 10. The program offered is designed for neurodivergent boys, such as those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), usually with an IQ of 75 and over. Students who enroll at Kamaruka have often found it difficult to navigate the mainstream education system, which may not have been able to accommodate and support their unique needs.

Promoting and developing:

■ Respect for self

■ Responsibility

■ Respect for others

Learning

Through small class sizes, a modified curriculum, positive experiences and a sense of belonging at Kamaruka, self-esteem is restored and a pathway towards a rewarding future becomes possible. The alternative education program proposes to address the social and emotional difficulties, as well as the academic and behavioural challenges. Adopting a multi-modal approach, the teachers collaborate with parents, as well as external professionals, to increase on-task behaviour, reduce anxiety and aggression, improve wellbeing, as well as behavioural and academic progress. Expectations are clear and firm, and all activities are designed to be slightly beyond comfort level, whilst taking into consideration the individual’s capabilities and capacity. The clear boundaries and routines within the school allow every student to feel safe, accepted and valued.

Goals: Empowerment and Self-determination

■ Self-image prioritized

■ Student wellbeing – access to two School Counsellors, as well as weekly Social and Emotional Learning (SEAL) lessons.

■ Cognitive-behavioural approach to develop the skills to navigate societal expectations, whilst also developing their unique strengths and abilities

Physical Activity

Research has demonstrated that complex physical activity, such as martial arts, strengthens neural networks within the brain, enabling young people with ADHD to practice self-control and manage symptoms like impulsivity and distractibility. In addition to this, it also enables young people to develop physical co-ordination, provides opportunities to release energy and enables them to focus on their own individual growth. Consequently, Kamaruka has incorporated martial arts, sport and physical activity into its educational program and throughout the years has witnessed many students develop their selfesteem and be extremely proud of what they have been able to achieve from participation in these activities. Kamaruka also has a unique program called AMS (Advance Motor Skills), which emphasizes safety, while developing such skills as juggling, tumbling, mini trampoline use and coordinated gymnastics routines.

Potential benefits of Kamaruka

■ Engaged students resulting in academic achievement

■ Students learn to self-regulate

■ Improved self-esteem

■ Able to make friends and successfully navigate social situations

■ Can provide the intervention to return to mainstream school

■ Focus on individual pathways for further education and career planning

■ Parents concerns alleviated e.g., no longer constantly called to pick students up

■ Rewarding future

Please contact the school to arrange for a tour

■ Contact: 9826 0330 info@kamaruka.vic.edu.au

■ Address: 38-40 River Street South Yarra Vic 3141

■ Website: www.kamaruka.vic.edu.au