by David Quinney | Oct 10, 2023 | News
A Parent’s Guide to Open Evenings
As parents, it’s natural to seek the best educational path for our children, and attending Open Evenings is a crucial step in this journey. To help you make the most of these events, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to assist you in asking the right questions and gaining valuable insights.
1. Unlocking Academic Opportunities:
- Subject Diversity: Dive into the curriculum and explore the range of subjects available in the Sixth Form.
- Specialist Subjects: Discover if the Sixth Form offers unique or specialised subjects not found elsewhere.
- University Pathways: Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your child’s chosen university course.
- Specialisms: Investigate if the Sixth Form has a distinctive focus or specialism in any specific area.
2. Navigating UCAS and Personal Statements:
- University Research: Understand how the Sixth Form supports students in researching suitable universities and courses.
- Oxbridge Support: Inquire about additional support provided for Oxbridge applicants.
- Admissions Tests: Learn about preparations for specialized admissions tests like BMAT or UCAT.
- Interview Preparation: Explore how the Sixth Form helps students prepare for Oxbridge and medical/dental school interviews.
- Work Experience: Find out if the Sixth Form assists in organising essential work experience for medical applications.
3. Shaping Careers and Work Experience:
- Designated Adviser: Check if there’s a dedicated Careers Adviser to guide students in career exploration.
- Work Experience: Understand how the Sixth Form aids in securing relevant work experience.
- CV and Cover Letter Workshops: Explore whether the Sixth Form provides support for crafting effective CVs and cover letters.
4. Embracing Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Opportunities:
- Holistic Development: Discover opportunities for extra-curricular involvement and personal growth.
- Clubs and Societies: Learn about the diverse clubs and societies that align with your child’s interests.
5. Class Sizes, School Day, and Uniform:
- Atmosphere: Gain insights into the learning environment—whether it’s formal or informal.
- Uniform/Dress Code: Understand the policy regarding school uniform or dress code.
- Class Sizes: Explore the impact of class sizes on individual attention.
- School Day Structure: Inquire about morning registrations and flexibility in the daily schedule.
As you embark on this educational exploration, remember that the key is aligning your child’s journey with their aspirations. Ask questions, gather information, and make an informed decision. We hope this guide enriches your Open Evening experience and empowers you to navigate the Sixth Form offerings confidently.
by David Quinney | Feb 23, 2023 | News
Although some children may be initially challenged by the idea of having to do homework, it’s worth noting how important a homework routine is for your child. Homework isn’t something to entertain a student, it is carefully thought about by their teacher to support them in areas where the national curriculum requires them to be as knowledgeable as possible. Not just this, homework teaches students important life skills such as time management, organisation, how to prioritise themselves, motivation, and the concept of seeing their growth within is very rewarding. As a parent or care your child’s homework should be as important as meeting a deadline for work. It is believed that students may struggle with learning certain things if they don’t practise independent learning at home. Parents are responsible to aid the progress of homework. However, one thing that is sometimes forgotten about is the environment in which we learn in. Schools are kitted out with the best equipment possible to make a teacher’s job easier, however, a home is not. If your child has not got a designated study area, now is the perfect time to create one. Homework acts like a bridge between school and home, parent’s ability to educate their children has a big positive impact at school – children come home with homework, parent-child bonding time whilst doing the homework, the child returns to school fully knowledgeable on past subjects. Having an environment to do homework with your child can also bring you closer as you can enjoy learning and exchanging ideas together
How important is a homework environment?
Without an environment to work in, we can’t expect children to do their best. You will find that having a well-organised space, along with support can increase your child’s learning development. Not just this, having a specific area can create a great opportunity for parent-child bonding.
Homework environment
According to recent research there is a distinguished link between students who complete homework and how well they performed at school. Additional findings discovered that completion of homework can add almost five months of progress to a child’s education without further effort from the school. Homework environments don’t have to be fancy or expensive, a simple fold-up table will suffice if not, the dinner table is always an option. But remember, that area must be free for when homework time starts.
Having a good homework environment has the following benefits:
- A specific environment for homework sets the scene for a routine.
- Homework environments create spaces for parent and child to bond whilst learning.
- Homework specific environments promote organisation skills which all children should learn for later life to complete deadlines.
- Prepares younger students for later education.
- Helps children to practise retaining information.
- Allows children to express themselves by doing the work somewhere where they find inspiring.
- Creates a sense of responsibility, having somewhere to keep tidy and clean is a great responsibility especially if the area must be used after the homework is complete (the dinner table).
Tips for the best homework environment:
1, Chose one place – You can try the “homework spot” for a week and ask your child what the space might need or is missing.
2, Make a plan of action: what homework first? How long for? Etc.
3, Gather supplies: pens, pencils. Specific homework environments can be decorated and stocked up with items your child might need to complete their homework – coloured sheets, scissors, A4 paper, crayons, pencils and pens – not only this but an adult that can give them a helping hand if needed.
4, No devices – Distractions can make children lose focus and become uninterested – it is wise to switch off all electronics devices around the area to avoid any sort of distraction.
5, The location must be well-lit and comfortable. Some students benefit from relaxed music whilst studying. If you have Spotify, there are multiple playlists you can use such as those which have lo-fi beats, healing frequencies or nature music. You can also find these on YouTube for free – although, they might have ads.
