HYMBA YUMBA Independent School is strengthening its reputation as a trendsetter in education by putting culture and traditional knowledge at the centre of its curriculum.
Hymba Yumba CEO Karla Brady said the school embedded First Nations culture into its teaching and was focused on setting its jarjum (child/ren) up for success.
“What we are trying to create at Hymba Yumba is a unique educational experience for First Nations people that the standard curriculum doesn’t deliver,” Mrs Brady said. “Our First Nations jarjum deserve to see themselves in everything they see and do, including in the curriculum. Through this approach we can engage and support them on whatever path they choose.”
Hymba Yumba opened in 2011 with 50 jarjums and eight staff. It now has almost 300 jarjums, more than 50 staff, and waitlists across primary and high school.
The school doesn’t charge tuition fees, and families are asked to pay only a Resource Levy of between $225 and $425.
“There is a lot of excitement for what we’re doing here, because our innovative approach is delivering results,” Mrs Brady said.
“We need the land beside us returned so we can fulfil our master plan of a First Nations education precinct that offers opportunities for Closing the Gap, authentic First Nations engagement, and broader community experiences, employment and self-sustained funding.”
Enrolments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have grown at an average rate of more than 6 per cent per year over the past decade.
There are 46 independent schools where the majority of students are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, including 10 in Queensland.
“The success of Hymba Yumba is a testament to the passion and skills of the teachers and their commitment to providing a tailored learning experience for their students,” Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said.
Independent Schools Australia CEO Graham Catt said Hymba Yumba’s dynamic approach to education was delivering clear benefits to its students and the community.
“It’s crucial that schools such as Hymba Yumba have access to adequate funding.”
