A new program to address learning difficulties and help students achieve their best is underway in the Holy Trinity Parish in Melbourne’s south.
Minister for Education, James Merlino, visited St Peter’s East Bentleigh, one of the three Holy Trinity Parish schools – along with St Paul’s Bentleigh and St Catherine’s Moorabbin – for the launch of the three year pilot Arrowsmith program.
The Arrowsmith program identifies where students are struggling by looking at cognitive capacities, and then helps students address those weaknesses through a series of cognitive exercises.
As part of the program, students move into the Arrowsmith classroom for four 40 minute sessions each day, with the remainder of their time spent in their usual classes. The classrooms will be hosted at St Peter’s East Bentleigh and St Catherine’s Moorabbin.
The Arrowsmith program complements the Andrews Labor Government’s Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools, which sets out a range of initiatives to help all students – including those with learning difficulties and disabilities – reach their potential.
As part of the Special Needs Plan, all new teachers will undertake special needs training as part of their tertiary studies, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of disability and learning difficulties.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, James Merlino
“The Arrowsmith program will ensure that students at Holy Trinity Parish schools, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to reach their full potential.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting students with additional learning needs, and we will be rolling out our comprehensive Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools this year.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos
“I congratulate these schools for trialling the Arrowsmith program, and look forward to seeing the outcomes over the coming years.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020