The Arrowsmith Program

WAYNE STAGG

Head of the Arrowsmith Program

Student Testimonial

Hi my name is Lexi and this is my Arrowsmith life. At first I didn’t know what Arrowsmith would be like. I thought it would be really hard, but after a while I found it wasn’t as hard as I thought. Sadly though, I left my friends at my old school, but I made new friends in Arrowsmith and in my mainstream class as well.

This is my last year in Arrowsmith. I have been in the program for three years, and now I would like to tell you how Arrowsmith has helped me. I never used to know how to read a normal clock, and now I can read a six hand clock. I used to struggle with reading, and now I can read chapter books. My spelling and writing has also improved, and my writing used to be all over the page and I could not spell properly. But now I can spell many different words and my writing is much neater. My teacher keeps telling me how proud she is of me.

My maths has also improved, and I know that because I don’t need to use my fingers for counting any more. It’s easier for me now when I have to answer maths questions.

My mum told me that my confidence has grown since I started the program. She has seen this change in me when I am doing sports, especially in discus. I used to get frustrated and angry with myself, every time I would throw a foul. Last year, I ended up throwing 22 metres. I came first representing my school, Oakleigh Grammar, at the State Final. I was also the first girl at my school to get to this level. I was so proud of myself, as was my mum and all my friends and teachers.

Overall, the program is really great, it helps students with learning difficulties, and I was one of these students.

Lexi Bergmeier, Year 5