I recently had a conversation
with the Headmaster of the local non-selective Free School –Sir Thomas
Fremantle Secondary School. Part of their USP is that all children must take
part in the extended day programme. Although formal lessons finish at 3pm, as
they do in most state secondary schools, there is a compulsory enrichment
programme that runs until 430pm. As a result over half of the children learn a
musical instrument, the after school sporting programme is extensive, children
have the opportunity to learn Italian, Spanish or Mandarin or to use the 3D
printers and iPad to take part in various art, design and technology activities.
Additionally teachers offer homework clinics for those who need a bit of extra
support with their learning.
In summary, that is 7.5 hours
extra time per week where children are engaged in structured in-school
activities to grow self-esteem, develop social and communication skills or to
just extend their creativity and knowledge.
In contrast to a commonly held
view that the extended day is unpopular with pupils, the children appear to
thrive on meeting the challenges of these additional opportunities. Proof, I
suppose, that children will work at the level of the challenges you put in
front of them. Setting the bar and hence expectation higher means they will
strive to participate and achieve more. This type of culture brings them up
with the belief that accepting average or just ticking over to deliver the bare
minimum is not an option, particularly where boys are concerned. A sound lesson
for success in future life, in my view.
Parents on the other hand have
the advantage of a guaranteed longer working day during term-time, leaving more
quality family time at the evenings and weekends. Less parent taxi service
since activities are offered in situ. There are no concerns that mum’s day may
suddenly have to be rearranged due to a cancelled sports fixture or after
school club, since this is all delivered as part of the compulsory timetabled
school day.
So how can parents with children
at other schools learn from this model? My advice would be to take a refreshed
look at the optional after school programme offered by your child’s school.
Discuss what is on offer and encourage your child to get involved in something
new. Enthuse about the value of an all-round education, highlighting the
benefits they will reap when it comes to making a higher education or job
application upon leaving school. It might mean taking a different approach to
the school run or lift shares, but these are only logistics which are easily
solved with a bit of creative thinking.
Come on parents, let’s commit to
encouraging our children to put their smartphones down for a few hours and make
an effort to engage more fully in some of the hugely valuable and extensive
extra-curricular opportunities offered by our schools. Whether optional or
compulsory, let’s get children more involved!
Catherine Stoker is
Managing Director of the Independent Education Consultants, offering timely
advice for parents on all aspects of education.
From choosing a
school, transition at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to career planning and applying to
university, they have a team of education experts who collectively have years
of experience in offering advice and guidance to parents.
For more details
about their services and how they support parents in making the right education
choices, visit their website. www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk
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