Nine high schools join brain-training event in Goodwood

A group of Grade 11 students from nine different high schools gathered at the Goodwood Library for the BANAM Memory Programme on Tuesday 1 July—an exciting academic adventure designed to cultivate talents, boost confidence, and shape the future.

The programme, founded by Bradley de Kock, focuses on equipping learners with tools to strengthen memory, improve retention, and enhance information recall—critical skills for success in school and beyond.

Throughout the day, learners were introduced to a range of scientifically proven memory techniques, including:

• SMASHINSCOPE: A 12-principle system developed by Tony Buzan.
• The Loci Method: An ancient Greek location-based technique.
• The Roman Method: A powerful strategy that helps remember up to 100 items in under five minutes.

But the programme offered much more than just memory hacks.

Students also explored:

• The Reticular Activating System: Learning how attention and focus are controlled by the brain.
• The BANAM Pattern Recognition System: Discovering whether they are left- or right-brain dominant and how to use it to their advantage.
• Motivation and Value Appreciation: Helping students recognise their worth and boost their drive to succeed

Experience

Michaela van Diemen, a Grade 11 learner from Oval North High, described the experience in her own colourful words: “When I signed up for a holiday programme, I expected worksheets, yawns, and maybe a juice box. What I got was a crash course in brainpower, taught by a teacher with more energy than a toddler on jellybeans.”

Aqnatius Stander, a teacher from St Andrews High School, echoed that enthusiasm.

“The energy of Bradley was vibrant, the content was effective, and the learners were all excited and happy. The programme is fantastic.”

Stander, who teaches life orientation and Afrikaans first additional language, said she could immediately see how these techniques could transform the classroom.

“In life orientation, learners can use the Roman Method or SMASHINSCOPE to remember key concepts, and in Afrikaans, Basic Association helps with vocabulary and grammar. These strategies make learning fun and active—it’s not just about memorising, it’s about engaging the brain in meaningful ways.”

She added that the shift in her learners was “beautiful to witness”.

‘I didn’t know my brain could do this’

“They were excited, focused, and proud of themselves. One of my learners even said, ‘Ma’am, I didn’t know my brain could do this!’ That just says it all.

“A programme like this doesn’t just teach memory—it builds confidence and motivation. It helps learners see their true potential and connect with peers from other schools. Moments like these remind us why we teach.”

The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of educators like Stander and Mr Rix from Portland High, who supported his learners despite recovering from an injury.

Bradley de Kock, the visionary behind BANAM, said the goal was simple.

“Change lives, cultivate talents, and shape the future.”

The nine participating schools were:

• Bellville South High School;
• Beacon Hill High School;
• Ravensmead High School;
• Range High School;
• Elswood High School;
• St Andrews High School;
• Portland High School;
• Oval North High School and
• Symphony High School.

Each school was represented by one educator and four pupils, creating a collaborative and inspiring space for learning.

The BANAM Memory Programme is proving to be more than just a one-day event—it’s a launchpad for learners to unlock their full potential and view education through an empowering new lens.

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