The Arrowsmith Program 

WAYNE STAGG

Head of the Arrowsmith Program

It has been wonderful to welcome back all the Arrowsmith students. We were so pleased with the students’ efforts during remote learning. However, the Arrowsmith staff have been thrilled with the results we have seen since returning to class.

A key aspect of student learning in the Arrowsmith Program for teachers and parents is patience. The Arrowsmith Program is a journey, and students need to develop at their own pace and in their own time.

Whilst walking around the classes this week I was excited and amazed at the changes I witnessed in student learning. From Arrowsmith cognitive exercises to mainstream learning, I observed students applying skills and knowledge learnt in a variety of ways. 

Change is at the heart of Arrowsmith. It is in our DNA. Our work is grounded in neuroplasticity – the brain’s inherent ability to change. Our brains are designed for life-long learning – to flexibly adapt and meet novel challenges.

In 1977, Barbara Arrowsmith set out to harness her brain’s changeable nature, and the results were the beginning of her work at Arrowsmith. So, what have we learned over the past 40+ years? Specific cognitive exercises lead to changes in the brain which lead to strengthened network connectivity and more efficient cognitive processing. Out of this change flow changes in cognitive functioning – reasoning, memory, executive functioning, attention, processing speed, auditory processing, to name a few, which lead to gains in academic skill acquisition and improvements in social-emotional well-being.

So: change the brain, change cognition, change learning, change well-being.

The Arrowsmith community worldwide is dedicated to fostering transformational change.