Information for parents

Many parents feel at a loss when their  children enter their examination years, but your involvement during this crucial time can make an enormous difference – the difference between success and failure, or between a grade 4 and a grade 5, or even a grade 7 and a grade 8. 

According to a new study, parental support is eight times more important in determining a child’s academic success than social class. And the good news is you do not have to be an expert in any of the subjects your child chooses to make a difference.

There are many expectations of your child in Years 10 and 11 – expectations which, for many children,  are hard to meet. The demands you will be able to help your child with are likely to include:

• Being more self-motivated and taking more responsibility for their own learning.

• Asking when they do not understand. (This requires confidence and can be difficult at a time when friends’ opinions hold such sway.)

• Developing their abilities to overcome frustrations.

• Organising themselves, revision notes and hand outs for different subjects and topics.

• Completing independent work at home.

• Organising and planning their time over longer periods, for example to complete a coursework project.

• Understanding the exam structure and the relative importance of each piece of work to their final grade.

• Planning and carrying out their revision.

• Perfecting ‘exam technique’.
  
  

As a parent/carer, your role may include some - or all - of the following:

• Provider of the tools for homework and revision – a quiet space, a ‘workbox’ of pens, paper and other necessities. Study buddy – showing an interest in the subject, helping with homework (but not doing it for them), testing them when they ask you etc.

• Sounding board - listening to your child’s ideas and responding with feedback and comments.

• Adviser – helping your child to break tasks down so that they are manageable.

• Project manager – agreeing the rules for homework or revision.

• Helping them to make a realistic timetable, balancing work against the ‘fun stuff’ and revising the plans as necessary.

• Go-between – liaise with your child’s crew leader/phase lead as problems arise.