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The Warrior Kids School Programme has featured in New Zealand schools since 1999 in areas such as Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch and Dunedin. The in-school programmes involve ten 1½ hour sessions held over a school term. Tim Tipene runs the programme within the school working with a maximum of 16 students.
The School Programme requires a large space such as a hall. Movement is a big part of the programme. The space needs to be comfortable, tidy and free from interuptions.
The School Programme requires a minimum of eight Gym mats. The mats are utlised each session and are the main focal point for the times of sharing and for many of the games and challenges.
A representitive of the school must be present at each session of the School Programme. This protects all parties involved, makes the programme more a part of the school community and means that there is someone for the participants to turn to outside of the programme. The school representitive could be someone from GSE or an RTLB. It should be understood that the representitive is expected to take a passive role throughout the programme unless otherwise stated by Tim.
It is a requirement that the School Representive taking part in the School Programme pre-empts the participants by familiarizing them with the course and Tim Tipene. There are various ways that this could be done. One option would be to run a 30 minute segment with the participants together. In this time you could:
- Explain the course and run through the Warrior Kids poster.
- Talk about Tim Tipene and his life. Accessing the information on the website might be useful for this.
- Show the children books that Tim has written and maybe even read one to them such as Taming the Taniwha, Haere or The Wooden Fish.
 The participants respond well to the fact that Tim is a Martial Artist, an Author and someone who didn’t find school easy. This will maximize the overall success of the programme.
The Warrior Kids novel is also a great resource and schools are encouraged to read Warrior Kids to classes over the period the course is in the school, as this helps to integrate the programme into the school community and strengthens and widens its impact.
- $2,500 for a ten week programme
- $8,800 for the year ($2,200 per term)
Towards the end of the School Programme feedback is sought from the school and the parents or caregivers of each participant. In order to pass the programme the participants must not only demonstrate knowledge and skill of the Warrior Kids Syllabus but also the appropriate manner and behaviour in the programme, in the classroom, around the school and at home.
The participants are also involved in the discussion process; having a say on whether or not they think they and their peers in the programme deserve to pass. Of course Tim Tipene reserves the overall discission. There are three possible grades for first time participants of an School Programme. These are:
- White Belt Certificate
Those who do not pass receive a White Belt Certificate. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Many children’s behaviour has improved greatly after receiving a ‘No!’ in the School Programme.
- Red Belt Certificate
This is a pass.
- Orange Belt Certificate
This certificate is awarded to participants who have excelled throughout the programme.
Further training and grades are available for those students and families who would like to continue with Warrior Kids. Those interested can find out about community based classes by contacting Tim.
Warrior Kids is COOL!
- Warrior Kid
Warrior Kids is for all children. This is important to remember when it comes to discussing the programme with parents and the community. The idea that this training is only for at risk children and youth or for those with bad behaviour is simply not true and damages the reputation of all involved; the participants, their families, the school and Tim Tipene.
One of the first schools to ever have Warrior Kids found this out first hand. They promoted the programme as a group for naughty kids. This resulted in an influx of disruptive behaviour throughout the school as other children who saw the fun and excitement the Warrior Kids were having wanted to be a part of it.
A letter for parents and caregivers explaining the School Programme can be obtained from Tim.
The children participating in the programme also need to understand that it is a privalage and an exciting opportunity to be a part of Warrior Kids.
Every child and every adult in New Zealand should go through Warrior Kids.
- School Principal
It is wise to ensure that a good mix of students are chosen for the group. Boys and girls of varying ages, some role models, some with behavioural issues, others with low self esteem etc. Again we want to avoid the negative impact of labels such as a bad kids club. Every student, regardless of their circumstances, will benefit from attending this course.
Warrior Kids should be part of every school curriculum.
As a parent observing, I have learnt also.
- Parent
Parents and Caregivers are welcome to attend and observe any and every session of the School Programme. A point should be made of extending this open policy whenever possible.
It is vital to limit disruptions to the School Programme. Participants missing sessions due to sports, trips or other curriculum or extra learning activities or if for any reason a session cannot be conducted due to the space being double booked or the likes there of, means a disruption for the programme. This impacts greatly on the group and jeopardises the overall gain participants will get from the programme.
It is important that the students attend every session.
Conversely the participants won’t respond so well to the programme if they’re missing out on sports or similar activities which may be running at the same time.
Tim Tipene reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the School Programme. This rarely occurs but there are times when it is required. If a student is non-compliant and refuses to take an active part in the programme or if their behaviour puts themselves or others at risk, or if their behaviour jeopardises the overall outcome of the programme, then they will be informed that they are not ready to be a Warrior Kid and will be dismissed from the programme. Of course this will be discussed with the school first.
It is an excellent programme and has such a roll-on effect of behavioural improvement in the school, which I believe must extend into the community.
- Deputy Principal
Over the years many schools have continued with the Warrior Kids School Programme, having it run over consecutive terms so that it has become an ongoing feature in their school. Other schools have chosen to have a programme run for one term each year. These are options.
Opportunities exist for those who would like to become licensed instructors of Warrior Kids.
For more information, or to book a programme for your school,
contact Tim Tipene
09 810 8268
021 525 450
Email
PO Box 95-008, Swanson, Auckland, New Zealand |
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