At St John's we aspire for all parents and staff to collaborate in sharing the belief that all students can learn regardless of their ability. When we work together in partnership our children will do better at school, enjoy school more and stay in education longer.
Here is a quote from Beyond The Bake Sale a book by Anne T Henderson:
“The evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing: families have a major influence on their children’s achievement. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.”
Here are some parenting guidelines to make sure that you are supporting your child's learning in the best possible way:
When asked what parents wish for their children at school and in life, parents often respond "I just want my child to be happy". Research into parental aspirations shows that a big part of success in life can be attributed to parental aspirations. Link to research: Click here
Parent Exercise: Reflect and write down some aspirations that you have for your child (as many as you can think of). When completed check the list below to see if you have similar aspirations, or if there are things you might add to your list.
Examples of Aspirations Parent Might Have
- Being healthy and happy - Having skills and confidence to explore and venture out into the world - To play and learn to achieve and be successful to the best of their abilities in areas that were required of them within their occupational roles e.g. as student at school or as a player in sport - To feel safe, secure and loved within the family unit - To develop rich relationships with both parents and their sibling - To feel supported and encouraged to pursue their interests and talents - To enjoy and gain pleasure from being with others and to have the ability to develop lasting friendships and relationships - To have the confidence and skills to take an active part in and gain pleasure from community based activities or community events valuing and respecting others, and relating to them in ways that are considered fair and just - To develop a degree of strength and resilience as well as problem solving skills for those times when life presents a challenge - To know when to ask for and seek out assistance from others - To become independent within their roles as a toddler, pre-schooler, student and young adult - To grow up into caring, loving adults who seek and are successful in finding a life partner to love, cherish and share their life with - To be able to pursue their dreams – whether that be travel, study and/or career related – and to feel proud of their efforts and achievements - To be able to enjoy and celebrate with family and friends special events, occasions or milestones in life