Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Arrowsmith Program®, a unique,
cognitive training programme particularly effective for those with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia,
ADHD, or auditory/visual processing difficulties. Created by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, the programme harnesses the
principles of neuroplasticity to strengthen brain pathways, facilitating more efficient and effective learning.
Since its inception at Marsden in 2014, Arrowsmith has made a significant impact on the lives of many students and their
families, providing students with the tools they need to improve their cognitive functions and reach new academic
heights.
Cathy and Matt Phillips, parents of an Arrowsmith student at Marsden, shared their experience: "We think so highly of
Lizzie and Mary who run the Arrowsmith Program® at Marsden. They create a warm and supportive environment which our
girls thrive in. Lizzie and Mary work in genuine partnership with parents and students which means our girls can excel.
The Clocks programme is brilliant for teaching kids to tell time in analogue clocks and to deepen analytical thinking,
and we've found the Word and Tracing programme really helps to boost reading skills. Most importantly, our girls are
well supported in what are challenging exercises and they always look forward to their Arrowsmith sessions.
We enrolled our eldest in Arrowsmith because we wanted to give her the best chance in life. We saw first-hand what the
exercises comprise practically during the Covid lockdown weeks and were impressed. If you can strengthen your cognitive
functions, why wouldn't you sign up? That was and continues to be our attitude."
Marsden employs three specialist teachers trained in Canada and Brisbane, dedicated to working closely with students and
their families. The standard Arrowsmith Program® runs for four periods a day for each child, with options for part-time
participation and early morning sessions to accommodate various schedules.
Marsden will celebrate its 10-year Arrowsmith anniversary with a special event on 10 June 2024, bringing together past
Arrowsmith students and their families, current Arrowsmith families, and the wider school community. The event will
feature a keynote address by Debbie Gilmore, Executive Director of Arrowsmith, who will be traveling from Canada to join
in the celebrations.
For more information about the Arrowsmith Program® and the 10-year anniversary celebrations, please visit
www.marsden.school.nz or contact Elizabeth Coyle, Arrowsmith Cognitive Trainer (elizabeth.coyle@marsden.school.nz).