Cognitive-Affective Learning.
A Thriving Mind, A Connected Heart, A Grounded Spirit
Cognitive-Affective Learning (CAL) is a holistic approach bringing together the Science of Learning, evidence-based teaching practice, emotional intelligence, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Learning is strengthened when cognitive challenge is balanced with emotional connection and a strong sense of identity and belonging, helping learners engage deeply, think critically, and thrive as confident, capable individuals.
"Let's grow the hearts, minds and wairua of our future."
Who it's for
- Schools committed to holistic, evidence-informed practice
- Kaiako and school leaders ready to embed lasting change
- Whole-school teams, not just individual classrooms
Our commitment
- Support learners to understand and regulate their emotions
- Strengthen connection, belonging and relational trust
- Design learning connected to identity and community
- Apply high-impact practices that build progress and mastery
Learner outcomes
- Recognise and manage their emotions
- Develop empathy and build strong relationships
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Persist through challenge and uncertainty
- Make positive, values-based decisions
- Develop confidence as learners
The evidence.
St Joseph's Catholic School, Paeroa, partnered with Momentum Learning and RocheMartin from 2022 to embed CAL school-wide. Three years on, the achievement data speaks for itself.
"I have made progress by understanding how I feel when I need to adapt, and sometimes having to get out of my comfort zone and into the stretch zone."
Year 8 Student, St Joseph's Catholic SchoolGet the full case study.
See exactly how CAL was designed, implemented and evaluated at St Joseph's Catholic School, including the research base, the six-phase rollout, and the student and whānau voice behind the numbers.
- The full CAL case study and research summary
- The Transition to College impact statement, with student reflections on independence, resilience and self-regulation
- Extra: our white paper, Social-emotional PLD is the better answer to challenging behaviour, with curriculum links and six questions to test any PLD
Get the resources
Here you go.
Your documents are ready to download below.
Download Case Study Download Impact Statement Extra: Download White PaperIn-school training and development.
CAL is embedded directly in your school through a proven six-phase cycle, the same approach used across a three-year, whole-school partnership. Not a one-off workshop.
Listen First
Community consultation with students, kaiako and whānau identifies the priority areas for emotional and relational growth.
Build Capability
Kaiako complete professional learning in emotional capital and the neuroscience of learning, building shared language and practice.
Diagnose and Plan
Triangulated data, assessment, whānau voice and teacher observation, shapes individualised learning plans for every ākonga.
Align Resources
Teaching resources are aligned to the strengths, needs and trends the data reveals, and whānau resources support social-emotional learning at home.
Embed in Practice
CAL is woven into daily lessons and cross-curricular teaching, so it sits within the way teachers already teach.
Evaluate and Refine
Achievement and wellbeing data are triangulated each year, and classroom practice is sharpened based on the evidence.
Supported throughout by peer coaching, reflective tools and whānau resources that extend CAL from the classroom into the home.
Who we are.
Mary-Anne Murphy
NZ Lead Practitioner in Emotional Intelligence, Coach & Educator (RocheMartin)
Emalene Cull
Social-Emotional Intelligence Coach & Primary-Trained Educator (RocheMartin)
Together, they bring decades of experience in educational leadership, emotional wellbeing and culturally responsive facilitation.
Let's talk.
Bring Cognitive-Affective Learning into your school. Get in touch to talk through what it could look like for your people and your learners.
Get In Touch