Arrowsmith helps ākonga/students to achieve academic growth and competency through targeting specific cognitive functions, which can have a wider impact on their ability to learn.
Think of your brain like a muscle. Just like you go to the gym to make your body stronger, the Arrowsmith Program® is like a “gym for the brain.”
The programme has gained international recognition with several studies now looking at brain images to identify the change that participation in the Arrowsmith Program® has enabled. Understanding has shifted from preconceived notions that an individual’s brain capacity is fixed to the exciting realisation that we can change our brains. If a part of the brain is having a hard time with things like reading, remembering, or staying focused, we can actually “exercise” that specific part to help it work better.
How does Arrowsmith work?
- The Brain Map: We start with an assessment to look closely at 16 different areas of the brain. This helps us see which “brain muscles” are already strong and which ones need a little more training.
- A Personal Workout: Every student gets their own special plan. Across their time in the programme, they work on specific exercises that help “wake up” and strengthen the parts of the brain that were struggling. These exercises are facilitated by specialist, trained Arrowsmith educators in small groups, so the students get individualised motivation, support and can achieve their goals. The programme is expertly developed to build confidence and competency, with students reaching mastery goals and building on their progress every day.
- The Result: As the targeted areas of the brain get stronger, school work that used to feel like a big mountain starts to feel easier. Reading, maths, and focusing become easier and more fun. Feelings of self-esteem and competency are improved and students feel successful and empowered.
Life at St Mark’s
At St Mark’s, Arrowsmith students spend some time each day on their brain exercises in our Arrowsmith classroom, and they spend the rest of the day with their friends and teachers in their regular classrooms. They go on school trips, play sports and go to camp, ensuring they remain connected and balanced and know that they are a valued part of our school family. They are also part of ‘Team Arrowsmith’ and have a great time working together each day, celebrating their successes and increasing their ‘brain power’.
“I used to think writing was hard. Now I think it’s getting easier.”
“I used to think school was boring. Now I think school is fun!”
Is Arrowsmith right for your child?
Potential candidates for the programme are students who might be experiencing difficulties in the following areas: reading, writing, mathematics, comprehension, logical reasoning, visual memory, auditory memory, dyslexia, non-verbal learning, dyspraxia, fine motor/ writing, auditory processing and attention.
Arrowsmith can also be used to enhance cognitive functions and extend students, who may not have specific challenges, but want to understand and strengthen their brain. .
Read about the latest research
View a TEDx talk about Arrowsmith here
Completion of the parent questionnaire can help to further identify eligibility – Arrowsmith Program® Cognitive Profile Questionnaire or Student Suitability Checklist
Expressions of interest can be made to enrol@st-marks.school.nz
