From “below average” to CEO

Meet Claudia Swartzberg, co-founder and CEO of CambriLearn and Top Dog Education. We sat down with Claudia to hear about how she went from “a below average” learner in primary school to graduating top of her class with a degree in actuarial science. Not every child fits the mould of traditional schooling, and Claudia explains why…

Traditional schooling looks at achievement in terms of test scores, in a very limited number of academic areas. The problem with this approach is it doesn’t take into account problem-solving ability, motivation levels, perception or social intelligence. 

A child who couldn’t cut straight

When I was five years old, the school that I was at didn’t want to progress me to grade one because I couldn’t cut straight. Coming from a family of rocket scientists, my father wouldn’t hear any of it and put me straight into grade one – despite the advice of my teachers. I wasn’t a great performer in primary school and this led me to become very anxious. I began doubting my academic abilities and started to dislike school. 

My father recognised this and started to spend his evenings taking me through my coursework, creating practice material in a way that felt relevant to me. Soon my grades began to pick up and that feeling of success became addictive. My goals grew not only to wanting to perform but wanting to be the best. I had a new sense of confidence and purpose. In high school, I graduated top of my class I went on to study actuarial science specialising in data science. 

Breaking the mould of average

One of the first things we teach people in stats is how to eliminate the outliers so that we can find the average. This is fantastic if I’m trying to find out the average amount of sugar a person consumes, but when I am looking at a child’s true potential then this approach falls short. If I asked the question, how fast can a child learn to read in a classroom? Scientists would change this question to how fast does the average child learn to read in a classroom? 

If we study what’s merely average, we are going to remain merely average. So instead of trying to fit all students into the mould of average, at CambriLearn, we try to deeply understand what makes each student perform and we nurture that. 

In a typical classroom environment, with a 1:25 teacher to learner ratio, a teacher isn’t able to tailor-make each lesson to suit each individual child. Most teachers will pitch the coursework to the average student. This approach can lead to many children feeling left behind as they struggle to keep up with the coursework. It can also lead to many students feeling bored and disinterested as they may comprehend the lesson quickly and feel frustrated at the pace of average. 

At CambriLearn, we provide an intelligent learning system that makes it possible for an educator or parent to teach individuals and not classes. This approach not only moves students above average but moves the entire average up. 

It’s about perspective

It is not reality that shapes learning, but the lens through which your brain views information that shapes your reality. In other words, it’s about perspective. We optimise a child’s perspective by promoting social and emotional intelligence in every class that we teach. 

Most people think that the more gifted you are academically, the more successful you’ll be in life. Studies have shown that only 25% of your success is determined by IQ, whereas 75% of your success is determined by your perception, your optimism levels, your social support and your ability to see stress as a challenge rather than as a threat. This is why we put a lot of focus on social and emotional intelligence. 

The absence of failing is not success

If your child is getting good grades, it’s not a guarantee they will be successful. If they have the right perception, not only will their performance improve, but they will harness an essential lifelong tool – resilience. At CambriLearn, we focus on driving positive perception, self-regulation, and confidence in our students. 

I often hear from parents, “I’m sending my kids to the best schools in the country with the best teachers, how can they still not be doing well emotionally or academically?” Embedded in that question is the key to understanding the science of learning. What the question assumes is that our external learning environment is predictive of our academic success. When in reality 15% of your long term academic success is determined by your external environment. 85% is determined by the way your brain processes information. 

According to the World Economic Forum, some of the skills a child needs in order to be successful in the future include; judgement and decision making, active learning, evaluation, deductive reasoning and complex problem-solving.

The fear of isolation

The number one concern that we hear from parents who wish to move away from a physical school is the fear of less social interaction. They worry that their child will be at home all day with no outdoor activities or group interaction. What they struggle to realise is that our students actually have more time and energy to participate in a schedule that is flexible and more effective. 

We have top athletes studying with us and the very reason why they study with CambriLearn is so that they can optimise their day. Also, not one of our sports stars did sports at school as the schools were simply not specialised enough and they needed more specialised training and support.  

Another contributing factor to success is your network and your support system. Our students form part of a powerful global network, they are able to connect and interact with students from across the world through our online forums or through face to face interactions at one of the planned events. CambriLearn has students in over 50 countries and almost all of our students are involved in social engagements and learning facilitation through our tutor partners and community groups. Last year, we had a group of students who got together from different locations around the world, because they were all studying in the UK. 

Passion and people

When I look at a product or service to see if I want to engage, I always look at the people that are behind it. Do they have the right level of expertise, skill, experience, intention, passion? At CambriLearn, you get access to the best teachers globally. Our team is highly vested in education and they go through a rigorous vetting process. They all show deep knowledge and understanding of personalised education and they have the results to prove it. 

As someone who was lucky enough to have parents who understood (and put into practice) the importance of personalised learning, I have made it my life’s work to make a powerful and positive impact on the youth of today, through a pro-active and personalised approach to education. 

P.S. I still can’t cut straight. 

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Here’s How Tax Relief for Neurodivergent Kids Actually Works

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child in South Africa, you’re already doing a lot.

Appointments. School meetings. Forms. “Can you just send that report again?” moments. The daily juggling act of home + school + therapy + life.

So when someone says, “You might be able to claim tax relief,” it can feel like one more admin mountain… right when you’re already running on fumes.

Here’s the good news: tax relief is available, and there’s a real framework designed to give families some breathing room.

The bad news is: it’s not always obvious how it works, and the internet is full of conflicting advice.

This guide will help you understand the basics without spiralling.

Tax relief is available in South Africa

South Africa’s tax system includes support for families who carry additional medical and care costs. The main mechanism is the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (AMTC).

It’s not a cash payout. It’s a tax credit that reduces the amount of normal tax you pay.

For many families, it becomes a crucial “safety valve”, especially when you’re paying for the kind of support your child needs to function well in the real world.

Where neurodiversity fits into the SARS framework

SARS doesn’t have a neat category called “neurodivergence.”

Instead, conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA are considered based on their functional impact, in other words, how much they limit day-to-day life.

For tax purposes, a “disability” is defined as a moderate to severe limitation in a person’s ability to function or perform daily activities (including learning, thinking, communicating).

If your child’s challenges create a moderate to severe limitation that is expected to last more than a year, your family may qualify for tax relief.

If the limitations are considered milder, the condition may fall under what SARS calls a “physical impairment.” (Despite the name, this category isn’t limited to physical conditions and can still apply in some neurodevelopmental contexts.) 

Relief may still be available, but often with different thresholds and limits.

The common misunderstanding that trips parents up

One of the biggest myths is:

“If I have the diagnosis, we automatically qualify.”

Not necessarily.

SARS looks at whether the condition remains a significant limitation even after what it calls “maximum correction” (including appropriate therapy, treatment, or medication).

Because every child is different, eligibility is assessed case by case. Two families can have the same diagnosis and still have different outcomes depending on how the condition impacts daily functioning.

Which is frustrating, yes.
But also: it’s why getting clarity early matters.

Why paperwork and medical confirmation matter (even if you hate admin)

The admin requirements can feel like adding weight to an already heavy load.

But they’re also the keys to unlocking tax relief.

A diagnosis label isn’t enough. You need formal medical confirmation from a registered practitioner who is trained to give an opinion on your child’s condition.

The key document is the ITR-DD form (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability).

Whether this form is required in your situation can depend on how your child’s needs are classified (which is exactly where many parents get stuck).

Important: you typically don’t submit the form with your annual return, but you must keep it, along with invoices and proof of payments, for at least five years. 

SARS often verifies these claims, so having your paperwork organised from the start protects you later.

Think of it like this: a few clicks to save documents today can save you hours of stress later.

You don’t have to figure it all out today

If this feels complex, you’re not meant to decode it alone in between lunchboxes and meltdowns.

So we created a simple starting point for parents:

✅ Download the tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/
 A clear summary of what you need to know (and what to gather), without the jargon.

Supporting a neurodivergent child requires enough time, energy, and emotional bandwidth as it is. Tax admin shouldn’t be another thing you have to white-knuckle your way through.

Start with the cheat sheet.
Get the lay of the land.
And take it one step at a time.

👉 Download the free tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/

Disclaimer:

This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and eligibility for tax relief is assessed by SARS on a case-by-case basis. We recommend consulting a registered tax practitioner or qualified professional before submitting any tax claims

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Supporting families facing bullying with a viable alternative 

The recent Milnerton High School incident has pushed a hard truth into the spotlight: for many children, bullying is unfortunately not a once-off event, but a daily reality. Parliamentary oversight members who visited the Milnerton school recently spoke of a “culture of bullying” in many schools across the country, and highlighted the absence of comprehensive anti-bullying policies and adequate psychosocial support – all concerns that resonate with many parents. 

At Impaq, we recognise that families should not have to choose between safety and learning. If a child’s wellbeing is at risk, home education provides a recognised pathway while keeping academic standards intact.  

“Children deserve to feel protected and confident in their learning environment in order to learn, and not have to worry about bullying or other issues they may face to be able to thrive,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, MD at Optimi Schooling, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “This is why families explore various options, including home education and online schooling, to provide an environment that is conducive to learning.” 

What an alternative route changes practically 

A move to home or distance education changes three things at once: 

  • Environment: Learning takes place in the safety of the learner’s home. 
  • Structure: Impaq learners follow CAPS-aligned materials and planners, with moderated assessments and clear reporting
  • Support: Parents are not left to “figure it out” on their own. They partner with Impaq who provides support every step of the way. 

Social development still matters – here’s how it works 

A common misconception is that leaving a school campus means losing social growth. In practice, families curate safe social touchpoints such as community sport and arts, structured study groups, volunteering, or faith-based youth programmes. Impaq also celebrate big milestone events, and recently hosted two matric farewells for more than 600 home and online learners.  

Coping strategies 

Bullying has severe implications for your child’s mental health. If your child is struggling with anxiety issues, due to bullying, some coping strategies can help ease your child’s fears, including: 

  • drawing, painting or writing down their worries, 
  • encouraging exercise, 
  • engaging in meditation, 
  • seeking professional help, and 
  • considering alternative education options like homeschooling. 

“The aim isn’t to ‘opt out’ of education and take a child out of school immediately,” Schoonwinkel emphasises. “Rather, we advise families to choose a pathway that protects learning and dignity at the same time. When the environment improves, many families are so happy that they choose to stay and continue with homeschooling, while others choose to re-enter a mainstream school. Both are valid options – it just means that families at least feel they have options, they are not alone, and they don’t have to be stuck in a difficult situation.” 

A reassurance to families 

“If your child is in distress, you do not have to wait for an incident to occur before making the decision to home educate your child,” Schoonwinkel concludes. “Homeschooling is a credible, practical option, and for many families it has been the turning point. We see learners who chose an alternative mode of education regain stability, rebuild their confidence, and engage deeply with their work.” 

Explore alternative options to create a thriving environment for your child. Impaq’s registrations for 2026 are open – reach out to the team for more information. 

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Building Confidence, Creativity, and Community Through Music

At School of Rock, learning music isn’t about sitting still and memorising notes. It’s about movement, laughter, teamwork, and the thrill of making real music together. Our youth programs are carefully designed to meet kids where they are developmentally, while helping them grow in confidence, creativity, and independence.

Little Wing (Ages 3–5)

Little Wing is where the magic starts. This playful, high-energy program introduces our youngest musicians to music through games, movement, singing, and exploration. Kids clap, dance, play percussion, and learn the basics of rhythm and melody without even realising they’re learning. Along the way, they build coordination, listening skills, and social confidence, all while having a whole lot of fun.

Rookies (Ages 6–7)

Rookies is perfect for curious kids who are ready to try instruments but aren’t quite ready for a full band yet. Students get hands-on experience with guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals, discovering what they love while learning essential musical skills. This program boosts confidence, focus, and independence, and sets students up for success as they move into band programs.

Rock 101 (Ages 8–12)

Rock 101 is where kids become bandmates. Students combine private lessons with group rehearsals, learning real rock songs and working together as a team. They develop musical skills, stage presence, and collaboration while preparing for live performances that give them a huge confidence boost. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child light up on stage after nailing their first show.

Why Parents Love School of Rock 

Beyond the music, our programs help kids develop life skills that last. They learn teamwork, discipline, communication, and resilience. Performing builds self-esteem, creativity fuels confidence, and being part of a band creates friendships and a strong sense of belonging.

At School of Rock, kids don’t just learn music. They find their voice, their confidence, and their inner rockstar 

Whether you or your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or expanding existing skills, our performance programmes provide inspiration, fun, and confidence through music. Please pop us an email at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more info and to book a FREE trial.  

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