Parental Engagement: Supporting your child at home
Your support at home matters. Research evidence shows that there is a direct link with student progress and the support they receive at home. We want to develop a consistent approach and a common message from both yourselves and the school.
We have a shared priority to encourage high expectations, support wellbeing and foster the best outcomes for our children. If you need any further support at home please contact your child’s head of year or form tutor in the first instance.
Please read the following top tips, or if preferred, you can watch the linked digital videos or follow the website links for advice on supporting your child at home.
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Area to support |
How to support your child at home |
Additional information/ videos |
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Reading |
1. Encourage them to read for pleasure everyday. 2. Develop their vocabulary by discussing new words, particularly in their subject glossary. 3. Talk to your child about what they are reading. 4. Limit screen time. 5. Model reading at home or suggest podcasts for reluctant readers. |
Digital video Suggested reading list |
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Oracy |
1. Ask them to speak loud and clear if they are mumbling. 2. “Tell me more about that”. 3. “Put that in a full sentence for me.” 4. “Why do you think that? 5. “Can you read that aloud?” |
Digital video Link to conversation starter help sheet |
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Independent study |
1. Create a revision timetable together. 2. Ensure they have a quiet space, desk and resources. 3. They should create revision cards, mind maps and answer practice questions. 4. Check on them during tasks. 5. Reward them for successful completion of their work. |
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Homework |
1. Check EduLink daily. 2. Ask them what they have to do. 3. Help them plan what they need to do and how they will do it. 4. Set them challenges and praise them for completing them. 5. Remove distractions and devices. |
Contact subject teacher for support |
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Preparing for next steps |
1. Explore careers and begin conversations about life after St James’s. 2. Complete Xello tasks. 3. Attend college open evenings in Y10/11. 4. Remind your child of employability skills such as good attendance, reliability and communication. 5. Termly Careers Newsletters, National Careers Week, National Apprenticeship Week |
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Engaging with school life |
1. Are they school ready with correct uniform and equipment? 2. Check S2S in EduLink and talk to them about the positives or how they can be more ambitious. 3. Encourage them to attend a variety of extracurricular activities. 4. Remind them of the importance of good attendance and punctuality. 5. Discuss what rewards they may like for completing a successful week? |
Digital video Contact HOY, form tutor for further support |
