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For many young people, the transition from school to adulthood is a time of excitement and possibility. But for neurodiverse students, that journey can be filled with uncertainty, confusion, and a lack of tailored support. At Rossbourne School -- a boutique secondary school in Melbourne with around 150 students -- staff and families have long recognised this challenge.
“We’ve always done our best to support our students and families,” said Shane Kamsner, Principal at Rossbourne. “But the feedback we were getting from parents was clear: once students left Rossbourne, many felt lost. They didn’t know how to access services, and they struggled to find meaningful career pathways.”
That’s where Scope came in.
In 2024, Rossbourne and Scope began a partnership that has already made a significant impact. Together, a careers curriculum has been designed and delivered for students in years 9 and 10, including a structured work experience program for Year 10s. The program is delivered by employees at Scope who bring deep expertise in disability employment and transition planning.
“Scope brings something we simply don’t have in-house,” Shane said. “They understand the adult world our students are stepping into -- one that isn’t always as protective or accommodating as school. They walk with our students and families, helping them navigate that world with confidence.”
A personalised approach that mirrors Rossbourne’s values
What makes the partnership so effective is the alignment in values. Rossbourne’s educational model is built on a strengths-based, personalised approach -- something Scope mirrors in our work.
“Scope doesn’t just try to fit students into a system,” Shane said. “They take the time to understand who each student is, what they’re interested in, and what will enrich their lives. For some, that might not be a traditional career path -- and that’s okay. It’s about finding purpose and direction.”
This personalised support has been especially valuable in helping families navigate complex systems like the NDIS. “As a school, we don’t deal with the NDIS -- it doesn’t cover school-related expenses, so we’ve never had to,” Shane said. “But many of the opportunities our students need after school do involve the NDIS. Scope has been able to guide families through that process, which is incredibly important.”
Real impact, real stories
The feedback from students, teachers, and families has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers have praised the quality and relevance of the careers curriculum, while parents have expressed gratitude for the clarity and support Scope provides.
One standout story is that of Annabelle Colman, a Rossbourne alumna and elite para-athlete. After leaving school, Annabelle initially struggled with mainstream employment services that didn’t understand her needs. But with support from Scope, she found a path that worked for her -- pursuing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education while continuing to train and compete at the highest level.
“Annabelle is a great example of what can happen when students believe in themselves,” Shane said. “At Rossbourne, we help students develop that self-belief. Scope helped her take the next step.”
Annabelle has since returned to Rossbourne to speak with current students, sharing her journey and inspiring others to pursue their own goals.
A model for the future
The success of the partnership has sparked interest from other families and schools. Shane believes this model -- where schools work hand-in-hand with specialist support providers -- represents the future of education.
“Schools can’t be all things to all people,” he says. “We have a purpose, and we do our best within that. But to truly prepare students for life beyond school, we need partnerships like this. The world is complex, and young people need a network of support to navigate it.”
Rossbourne and Scope are now exploring ways to measure the long-term impact of the program, including surveys and qualitative feedback. But for Shane, the most important metric is the growing number of students and families who feel seen, supported, and hopeful about the future.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all path,” he said. “But with the right support, every student can find their way.”
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