Executive Function is a set of cognitive processes that are located within the prefrontal cortex of the brain. These neural networks control a wide variety of behaviours relating to planning, organisation and emotional control. Mastering these skills have been widely shown by research to correlate to positive outcomes in later life relating to both career success and mental health. These skills evolve over time and adolescence is an especially important period to ensure students can realise their full potential in both their academic and social lives.

How is it relevant to schoolchildren?

These are the skills, in spite of high ability, that can underpin success in a child’s academic life. Despite being most pronounced in children with ADHD and other learning differences these skills affect most children in some form. Executive function difficulties can manifest in issues relating to time management, concentration in class, essay planning, homework completion or exam performance.

What age range is your course most relevant for?

This course is suitable for children age about 11 and older when issues with planning, organisation and negative self image can arise as a result of being labelled ‘underachievers’ and becoming disengaged with school.