Year 8 Parent Support Evening
Speakers:
Chris Panting – Deputy Head teacher (Curriculum)
Jay Simmonds- Head of Lower School
The dilemma
How do we encourage, challenge and support yet avoid alienating, threatening, stressing or doing for?
How do you help to motivate students?
Major concern- Should you interfere and tell pupils to work
yet run the risk of confrontation? How do you encourage pupils?
One of the major questions we get asked by parents
What did we do?
Sit and read Ask “What new things did you do today?” Children bombard us with questions Excitement Enthusiastic Why is this? Does this happen when our students reach
secondary school?
What can we all do
Listen Remember all want to do well Recognise the positives and praise Always have positive expectations Allow students to make mistakes in their
learning
How do we monitor progress?
Progress Review Report ‘My Bubbles’ Tracking Sheets Follow up intervention/ letters
Dates
Progress Review- late February Report- early July Both reports are key- are there any changes
from Year 7
My Bubbles
Allows school to track performance from report to report
Will ultimately be available through on-line reporting
Very good starting point for a conversation about progress
Small changes can be very revealing
Student Tracking
Student tracking sheet spreadsheetBrings together: 1. attainment 2. study skills3. detentions 4. attendance punctuality
Aim: reward success and challenge underachievement
What can you do to support the report stage?
Have a good conversation about the report Try to focus on what went well? Why was
that a success? Link the report to previous reports so you get
a sense of progression Ask school if you do have any questions
PreparationSafe and comfortable environment
– Basic preparation:
– Tidy room
– Tidy desk
– Filed notes
– No TV
– Computer and related issues- multi tasking
– Sound?
– Organisation helps relieve stress
– Check Planner
– Homework Timetable
– Timetable for the school week
Preparation
– Equipment:
New stationery
All files, books, paper, pens
Buy a calculator
Pack bags on night before
Reading is at the heart of learning
Help pupils learn about the world we live in – understand about processes, history, places, themselves
Good writing starts with good reading Pupils learn how language work – apply this to their own writing Pupils learn what they like and don’t like – become critics Pupils learn – crucial to learning and becoming an independent learner
Why is reading important?
Reading in school
Independent reading Shared reading Individual reading Reading in other subjects Reading in the community
Reading is at the heart of learning
Read lots yourself – important to value reading yourself Look for reading opportunities in everyday life Read to your child Be willing to share different books and texts Books for car journeys Subtitled films Be positive about reading
What can parents/carers do at home?
What should we be reading?
Books, newspapers, TV listings, internet, instructions, packets, magazines, leaflets
Don’t expect reading to happen overnight. It can take a long time for children to learn to read.
Homework support
Skills based Worksheets Skill area and criteria for success are featured on every sheet Extension task provided
Homework
How can you help?
Make sure they are completing it Encourage your child to assess their own work in front of you using the criteria for success Help with homework when necessary
n
“So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.”
Roald Dahl, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
Make your home a reading home
Fronter
Schools virtual learning environment Pupils have passwords Contact the school if you don’t have details Online reporting Also resources on internet
Summary
All students want to do well Parents can provide a vital support in
organisation Students benefit from parents who are
actively engaged Please contact the school at any stage if you
do have any worries
Helpful websites:
www.familylinesurrey.org.uk www.surreycc.gov.uk/parenting www.connexionssurrey.co.uk www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Questions related to the curriculum/ subject lessons- [email protected]
Pastoral concerns- [email protected]