Sunyani: St. Mary’s Preparatory and JHS Introduces Kinesthetic Intelligence Programme

St. Mary’s Preparatory and Junior High School in Sunyani, a leading Catholic-run basic school in the Bono Region, is once again raising the bar in academic excellence with the introduction of a new educational initiative — the Kinesthetic Intelligence Education (KIE) programme. The school will begin rolling out the programme for all students starting next month, following the Easter break.

As part of the implementation, each pupil is required to contribute GHS 36.00 towards the programme.

“We are excited to share that St. Mary’s School has been selected as one of three schools by the Catholic Diocese to pilot the Kinesthetic Intelligence Education (KIE) programme,” said Mr. Samuel Asare, the School Administrator, in a notice to parents.

The KIE programme, developed by Open Mind Africa, adopts a hands-on, physical approach to learning. It leverages movement, play, and body-based activities to nurture emotional intelligence, resilience, and essential life skills in students, from Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 9.

According to Mr. Asare, “The programme supports both academic growth and overall personal development.”

Understanding Kinesthetic Intelligence

The term kinesthetic refers to movement and physical activity. Individuals with strong kinesthetic intelligence, also known as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, have a natural ability to use their bodies skillfully, coordinate movements, and manipulate objects effectively.

Kinesthetic learners thrive through movement and hands-on activities, and often possess exceptional motor skills, muscle memory, and physical awareness. This intelligence is one of the nine intelligences identified by American psychologist Howard Gardner in his Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

People with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence tend to excel in areas such as sports, dance, surgery, and crafts. Their learning is best supported through activities that engage both the body and mind, enhancing their ability to develop skills through experiential and sensory-rich environments.

The introduction of the KIE programme at St. Mary’s is expected to further enhance the school’s reputation for innovation and excellence in holistic education.