Learning Advisors will be monitoring students’ progress throughout the year

Ø      Learning Advisors will arrange to meet with the students individually at least twice every half term for 20 – 30 minutes. (This time may come from our Thursday a.m.  meeting slot or as a part of your enrichment at lunchtime or after school)

Ø      Use the student data provided, year 10 and 11 results, e-mails from subject teachers or Round Robin to analyse the students’ performance in their subject areas.

Ø      They will go through subjects being studied as well as who teaches them

Ø      They will check if they students are up to date with class work and coursework. If they are not, they will find out the possible reasons

Ø      They will ask if extra support is needed in any subject area and give guidance where necessary

Ø      They will ask about difficulties students are experiencing in classes or around school (subject content, teachers or other students)

Ø      Ask about how they study away from school (do they have suitable study areas, if there is anything that makes it difficult to study at home?

Ø       Is there anyone who support or encourages them? do they have access to the Internet?)

Ø      Discuss how you they are willing to support them in year 11and strategies they hope to use

Ø      Set targets for every session of interview meeting

Ø      Review the targets set in previous sessions

Ø      Discuss the positives for them at all times (their strengths)

Ø      Help them in putting together a Revision Timetable

Ø      Encourage a positive and respectful attitude towards teaching and learning

Ø      Discuss what they think should be improved on

Ø      Discuss students’ careers and ambitions and try to guide them as best as possible in making decisions.

Ø      A feedback of each student’s review should be given to the Head of Year.

Message for Parents from Head of Year

“Parental support is eight times more important in determining a child’s academic susses than social class, according to a new study. The campaign for learning found that parental involvement in a child’s education can mean the difference between an A* and failure at GCSE” (TES 10.10.03)

Everyday parents send their children to school and some expect the school to do the complete job of educating them. It is quite correct that children attend school to learn and receive an education but parents should not be relieved of their responsibilities of also serving as teachers and motivators in the home.

I have come to the conclusion that one of the main things that determines the success or failure of children in schools is their parent.

If parents are effective in motivating and inspiring their own children to strive for excellence, the probability for success increases.

If parents are ineffective in motivating and inspiring them the chance for success decreases.

Formal education is taking place for 6-7 hours per day for your child at school. The brain does not switch off until the next day (or we should not allow them to, anyway). The educational process must continue upon their arrival at home. This is where your role as parent comes in.

Many of our children admire giants in the sports and entertainment fields, but tend to take for granted the fact that these athletes and performers put thousands of hours into practice to become the superstars they are. Some are obviously born with some level of potential, but it is hard work, sacrifice and commitment that ultimately allowed them to become superstars.

Academically speaking, parents must instil in their children these same principles of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. Parents must push and challenge their children towards maximising their full potential.

Again, as parents you should earnestly work with your child/children towards ensuring that they will arrive at school on a daily basis mentally prepared and motivated because the ground work was already set at home.

The good news is, you don’t have to be an expert in any of the subjects your child is studying to make a real difference. You are the expert on your own child and have always been his/her most important teacher.

Your support, encouragement and interest can make the spectacular difference to your child’s motivation and ability to cope with the demands of this exam year.

A Smith (Head of Year 11)

Prepare your child for success!

Ø      Make sure that your child arrives at school prepared and ready to learn

Ø      You should remind your child about his/her expectations at school. They must fully understand why they are going to school.

Ø      Discuss behavioural expectations with them. Attention should be given to classroom behaviour, conflict with peers and respect towards teachers and other adults in the school community

Ø      Your child must understand that the teacher is the authority figure in the classroom. This means that your child should expect to be in compliance with the rules and codes of conduct.

Ø      Remind your child that when a teacher is interrupted from performing their primary role of teaching, everyone loses.

Ø      Preparing children for success is also making sure that they are equipped with the correct tools for success. Do not be afraid to invest in your childs’ education. Purchase books if necessary, pens, notebooks and other supplies. If they are used well, you will not lose.

Ø      Encourage your child to read and revise at home. Consistently encourage reading so that the child will engage in it regularly

Ø      Set goals and plan for success

Once your child is prepared for success he/she will develop the following:-

v     A strong BELIEF in their abilities to achieve academic excellence

v     A meaningful sense of PURPOSE to achieve academic excellence

v     An understanding of their OBLIGATION towards achieving academic excellence

v     A driving DETERMINATION to achieve academic excellence

v     The VISION to see themselves achieving academic excellence before they even begin the process.

YEAR 11 GCSE COURSEWORK DEADLINE