For better marks at school, just say the mantra

Greg Taylor

Transcendental meditation should be used in schools to increase academic performance and reduce stress, bullying and substance abuse, says the former head of a top Auckland school.

Greg Taylor, Mt Albert Grammar's headmaster for 18 years, said yesterday that meditation had scientifically proven benefits.

Mr Taylor, who has been practising meditation for 12 years, was attending an educators' conference in Auckland to promote meditation in schools.

"It would be great if it was introduced at schools ... I doubt all students would do it every day, but students I've spoken to recently are keen to do it," he said.

The conference's main speaker was Dr Ashley Deans, director of the Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment in Iowa, which put transcendental meditation into its curriculum more than 20 years ago.

He said research had shown that meditation reduced bullying, apathy and drug use and increased academic performance by allowing the brain to function holistically.

"If the mind settles, the body settles and then the body can dissolve deeply rooted stress."

"I absolutely know it works because I see the results every day," Dr Deans said.

But Principals' Federation president Pat Newman said the idea was ridiculous. "Get real, I say ... We have enough on our plates. Let them do it at home. It might be handy for parents."