1. Most barriers to learning only exist inside our heads
If a student knows where they are going and sets goals, they are more likely to succeed
Your attitude to learning is the strongest influence on how successful a learner your child becomes
The influence of home life is 5 times greater than the influence of school on children’s learning
Children spend less than 15% of their waking hours at school
The more schools and parents work together, the more likely that the children will embrace their education

2. 5 Steps to GCSE Success Be prepared! Know how you work best
Know about the assessments
Have targets – and aim high!
Work together

3. Step 1: Get a good start Copy of timetable at home
Be aware of when coursework or non- examination assessment is due or being done in school
Regular checks of the planner
Quiet place to work
Help with time management
Resources for studying
Show an interest – without being intrusive!
Talk about aspirations
Set the example!

4. Step 2: How does your child learn best?
We all learn in different ways
There are 3 main types of learner
Visual (35%)
Kinaesthetic (40%)
Auditory (25%)
We learn (in a multi-sensory way):
10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we hear and see
70% of what we say
90% of what we read, hear, see, say and do

5. Step 3: Know the types of assessment
Find out proportion of coursework/NEA practical assessments and written exams
Note deadlines on the calendar
Much coursework will involve additional work at home
Most will involve the use of ICT either for research, presentation or analysis (backup- memory sticks-printouts and backup again!)
Revision needs to be organised, systematic and multi-sensory
Fail to prepare is to prepare to fail!

6. Step 4: Set Targets Challenging (pressure not stress!) Achievable
Target grades will be issued in November and revised on regular basis, these are based on individual data
Teachers share what is needed to attain a particular grade/level and how to improve for the future through clear guidelines, self/peer assessment and regular feedback
Short term targets with success and breaks built in

7. Step 5: Working together
We all want the same thing – happy and successful young people.
Come along to all of our information evenings – two consultation evenings per year and pathways.
We offer parent workshops during the year on different topics.
Chat about reports, attitude to learning and current and projected grades.
Keep us informed if your child is struggling in any way – planner, or phone call – if we know about a problem we can tackle it.
Celebrate successes with us too.

8. Whether you think you can or you can’t you’re right!