How to Get The Most From Your Child's School Report

Your child’s school report is much more than a termly record of your child’s classroom input and development, to be filed away in a cupboard. It’s an invaluable tool in helping you and your child to review and set academic and extra-curricular goals.

As part of our study skills work with children, we regularly go through school reports with students, helping them identify areas where they should be congratulated and other areas where they can improve. If it helps, these can be put in to a simple two column chart, so they can quickly identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

Remember, praise comes first for things they’ve done well, goals they’ve met and achievements to be proud of. Then it’s time to look closely at the areas that need improvement and take time to discuss these – your child will probably know which ones need seriously addressing and they may surprise you with their insight.  Ask them to volunteer thoughts as they are far more likely to buy into points they’ve raised themselves. Between you, pick out and agree upon 4 or 5 areas to target as goals for the next report.  

Needless to say, there is a level of sensitivity involved in this exercise, so be conscious of the language and phrases you use – try saying things like:

 “Your English and History look great! But some of the other subjects are disappointing – what’s different about those classes?”

“It’s good to hear you’re speaking out in class, and to see that you’re doing well with homework. Let’s work on revision over the rest of term.”

Your target list then becomes ‘Objectives For Next Term.’   Print these out and display them somewhere your child will see, such as close to their desk or on the fridge. 

As the term continues try not to nag, but do give them a gentle nudge/reminder when appropriate. Ask them how they feel it’s going, but pick your timing – often a casual chat over supper is more effective than a sit-down review!   

Use parents’ evening as an opportunity to discuss if there has been an improvement with their teachers.   This is a good time to review the objectives list with your child – are there any that you both feel have been achieved?  Are there any still going unaddressed?  Remember praise is effective, but don’t overdo it or give it where undeserved.   

At the end of term, review their new report alongside the old one – actively seek out signs of improvement in areas that appear on your goals list. Reward and congratulate.   However, don’t let your child be disheartened if they feel they have achieved a goal but it’s not reflected in their report – assure them you know they were working hard and if appropriate speak to their teacher for further feedback.

When setting your objectives be realistic about improvement.

Here are some sample goals – your child will have his or her own areas to improve on, but these might help with inspiration:

Music Grades:  See if you can pass that grade 3 for Singing.  Speak to your music teacher about trying for grades in Piano.

Reading: You will try to read at least 2 of The Dark Material books by the end of half term. If you run out of books on your kindle, come and ask me to download more for you. At least 30 minutes of reading a day is the minimum!

Unit test revision and highlighting key-facts for subjects like History. Use a highlighter pen to emphasise key-facts and words to remember. We agreed you would spend some extra time revising for unit tests to ensure you get the best results possible.

Grades: We are aiming for 5 B’s and 3A’s and almost all 5’s for effort. You will focus particularly on Sciences, Spanish and RS.

Activities- choir, football, plus you will choose two more clubs, when you know what is available.

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This weeks blog was written by Claire Coker and Catherine Stoker, who regularly work with children, helping them develop their study skills.  If your child needs some encouragement with their school work, contact our team to see how we can help. 

Email claire@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk  01865 522066 for an informal discussion on how we can help.
For more information visit www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

TIPS FOR STARTING A NEW SCHOOL

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Thanks to Sally Markowska for these great tips for starting a new school:

Have a positive attitude! Yes, joining a new school is a challenge BUT embrace the adventure. Remember the times you have tried something new before and how you survived

·       Remember you will not be the only new pupil: Others will be feeling exactly like you!

·       Before term starts: Have you got details of any pupils already at the school? It is worth contacting them informally to ask any burning questions you may have and/or to meet up. Even exchanging emails/texts would mean you already know someone at the school.

·       Be confident or at least pretend to be! Hold your head high as you walk in those gates for the first time.

·       SMILE at all the people you meet: It has an immediate effect on others and you will feel more positive too.

·       Have some opening ice-breaking questions ready: ‘Hi, what is your name?’ or ‘I am new and have no idea what I am supposed to be doing now. Do you?’

·       Timetable: Does it make sense? Do you understand where to go for each lesson? Do not be afraid to ask someone, even another pupil walking down the corridor- they were in your shoes once!

·       Break and lunchtimes: Be prepared for these. Ask others where they go for break/lunch and ask if you can go along on the first day. Don’t be shy!

·       In the first lessons: Introduce yourself to the people who sit near you, join in the discussions, try to ask and answer questions. You will feel better about yourself if you can but do not despair if it is all too challenging in the first few days!

·       Learn the names of the teachers who are responsible for your well-being: You should know who to turn to if you have a problem or feel unwell.

·       If the first day is difficult: Remind yourself that it is early days and things WILL improve.


·       Be proud of yourself at the end of the day: Congratulate yourself on surviving your first day! This is the beginning of something exciting…

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We offer a wide range of services and expert advice on your child's education. If you'd like to speak to Sally or any of our other expert consultants contact us:
Email claire@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk  01865 522066 for an informal discussion on how we can help.
For more information visit www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

10 Top Tips For Expats Planning An Application To British Day Or Boarding Schools

Though your children may be well settled into an international school overseas, in these unpredictable times, a back-up, 'return to the UK day or boarding school' plan is a good idea.

Here are a few tips from our education consultants.

To get advice on your school choice decisions from both schools and education consultants, why not register now to attend our complimentary exclusive client event in London on 16th July 2016?

Click here to REGISTER.

1. Think 2 years ahead. Family circumstances change unpredictably and last-minute places are always feasible. However, whatever your family situation now, it’s far less traumatic and stressful to think and plan ahead for schools at age 11+, 13+ and 16+ where possible.
   
2.  Gain a better understanding of UK school curricula such as Common Entrance, IGCSE, A Level and IB. The traditional rigour and skills-based approach of some British schools may vary from your current international school. Be sure to find the right fit for your child to succeed.
   
3. Focus on all-round education. Academics are crucial. However, British schools also like children who offer a great deal to the community as whole. Whether that’s in sports, the Arts, Music or chess, a can-do attitude and a willingness to have a go are what schools are looking for.
   
4. Consider location and future proof your school choice by keeping options open. Even if your current preference is day, having boarding as an option may prove useful later on.
   
5. Prepare your child for interview. Body language, posture, selling yourself, thinking on your feet, giving an opinion and why. These are not things that come naturally to all children, so a little coaching and practice might be required.
   
6. Current school reference and reports are important. Prepare now and set goals for your child at their current school when it comes to reports for effort, contribution and assessment grades.
   
7. Pre-assessment tests can be tricky. Keep calm. Giving your child some help with exam skills and question formats that may be new to them, such as non-verbal or verbal reasoning, will help them to perform at their best. Tutoring too much can be counter-productive so be cautious. However, you need to give them the confidence to understand the test formats and hence tackle the tests confidently.
   
8. Be ambitious but also realistic about your child’s potential. Finding a school with the right balance of academic challenge, alongside relevant broader opportunities and strong pastoral care will lead to the most successful outcome.
   
9. Build a rapport with the school registrars. Put all key dates in your diary well ahead. Return communications and paperwork promptly. First choice and back-up schools are important for peace of mind. However, if schools are no longer of interest, let them know as soon as possible, so another family can have your place.
   
10. Use an independent consultant. They can be a good sounding board to discuss thoughts on schools as well as add options you may not have thought of. Find a consultant who does not claim commission from schools for referrals so the advice is truly independent. Fees vary hugely so shop around for quality at the right price.

This post by Catherine Stoker.

We offer a wide range of services and expert advice on your child's education.

Email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk or contact Claire on 01865 522066 for an informal discussion on how we can help.

For more information, www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk