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Richmond school will use meditation to boost achievement & reduce stressStatement for the Press 14 November 2011
We look forward to delivering an outstanding school in Richmond. Parents who might like to enrol their children are invited to register their interest on the school’s website, and come to an introductory Open Day with Derek Cassells, head teacher, Maharishi Free School, Lancashire:
Plans are under way to open a Free School in Richmond for September 2013 that aims to deliver not only outstanding academic results, but also the full development of pupils’ creativity, intelligence and self-confidence. There is an extraordinary need for more school places in Richmond, with the Hampton-based parent organisation Children-Without-Choice stating that there was a shortage of 190 places for Reception-age children this year alone, while even greater demand exists for secondary places. The Richmond school - which hopes to use the facilities of Oldfield School in Hampton - will use Consciousness-based Education. This features a broad curriculum based around the International Baccalaureate, and incorporates a few minutes practise each day of the Transcendental Meditation technique for pupils and staff. This simple, effortless mental technique provides deep physical and mental rest, dissolves stress, and develops neurological balance - making it a valuable component of effective education, and a useful life-long skill. Consciousness-based Education, widely praised for offering an educational environment free from bullying and other stress-related negative behaviour, has been pioneered by the Maharishi Free School in Lancashire (named after the founder of Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi), which will supervise the Richmond school. "Outstanding quality of education” - Ofsted Despite the Maharishi Free School being completely non-selective academically, reports from Ofsted and the School’s GCSE results rank the School not only amongst the highest in Lancashire, but also in the top 2.5% of all schools nationally, outperforming even Eton and Harrow. These results have been consistent since the School was first established 25 years ago, and supporters are confident they will be replicated in the Richmond school. Ofsted, who in 2009 rated the School “outstanding” in 11 areas and “outstanding” overall, reported that “The School’s focus on individuals and its use of meditation and the quest for balance underpins all that it does. Students are calm, confident, self-assured, polite and considerate. They are eager to acquire knowledge and skills and enjoy learning.” "It provides outstanding quality of education for all of its pupils that is well tailored to their individual needs.” Dr Cassells, head teacher of the Maharishi Free School, explains: “Consciousness-based Education directly develops receptivity, intelligence, creativity, neurophysiological integration and better health in all students irrespective of their background, faith, attitudes, gender or abilities. This is because the quality of the students’ awareness is fundamental to successful educational outcomes. Likewise, all of the teachers at the School benefit tremendously from their morning and evening practice of Transcendental Meditation, which gives them the relaxation and alertness to manage every class effectively. It is these benefits for pupils and teachers that are inspiring schools all over the world to introduce Consciousness-based Education.” There are also plans to open a Maharishi Free School in Suffolk in 2013. Research supports Consciousness-based Education Peer-reviewed, published research substantiates that with the practise of Transcendental Meditation, children not only perform better academically, but, being more settled and more alert, they also enjoy school more and become happier, more balanced individuals. For more information see www.maharishischool.com Note in particular the short video about the School on the home page, with interviews from pupils, teachers and parents. For additional information on the scientific research visit http://www.consciousnessbasededucation.org.uk/DecriptionofSelectedStudies.shtml Quotes Former pupil of the Maharishi Free School: Parent of pupil at Maharishi Free School: Teacher at Maharishi Free School: "I have had the pleasure of meeting many students who are practising Transcendental Meditation and experiencing Consciousness-based Education. They are amazing: self-sufficient, energetic, blissful, creative, powerfully intelligent and peaceful human beings. Meeting these students, for me, was the proof that Consciousness-based Education is a profoundly good thing for our schools and for our world.” Film Director David Lynch. Scientific Research “Over the past 10 years the editors and reviewers of the International Journal of Neuroscience have accepted several papers on Transcendental Meditation because they have met the rigorous standards of scientific publication. IJN is honoured to have two Nobel laureates on its editorial board, and has a distinguished group of scientists from leading universities on every continent who judge the scientific value of the papers submitted for consideration.” Following are just three selected, peer-reviewed, published studies on the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in education, out of the more than two hundred studies published on the beneficial effects of Transcendental Meditation in the development of full mental potential and improvements in self-actualisation and good behaviour. 2) Barnes V., Bauza L.B., Treiber F.A., (2001) Reduced absenteeism, rule infractions and suspension days; Annals of Behavioural Medicine 23 (Suppl):S100 3) Nidich S.I., Nidich R. J. (1989) Increased Academic Achievement at Maharishi School: a replication study. Education 107: 49-54. 146 For more information please contact Maharishi Free School Team,
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