A few suggestions to support your child's learning


	In January 2010, we are starting our ‘Parents as Learners’ (PAL) programme which will provide lots of information as to how you can best support your child in their learning. In the meantime there are many things that you can do. The following is a list that you can request from teachers of different teachers; there are also links for these aspects within each department
	Check list for requests
	Exam specifications / checklists for learning Ways to help students learn Advice, details and examples of exam papers Past exam papers with model answers Homework / revision timetables to fill in Exam timetable with dates and times Advice on revision guides
	Learning environment
	As a parent, you can think about the learning environment for your child. Think about light, colours, seating, noise, notice boards, and positive messages boards. It may be that your child is better working in the library or at school in the evenings and this can be organised with your support.
	Target setting and rewards
	Students respond well to being set targets and then being rewarded when they meet them. When setting a target think about what the target is, when it can be achieved and what is needed to achieve the target. When rewarding, remember that different children need different types of reward.
	Confidence
	Encourage them to think about strengths and areas for development. Find lots of opportunities for increasing self belief and self knowledge
	Time
	If you help plan with your child, deadlines are more likely to be achieved and they are less likely to become stressed.
	Good food is vital for good learning
	Iron is good for learning and is found in green vegetables, meat, fish and eggs. Fish is good for the brain and so if eaten once a week, helps the students. Try and keep sugar levels constant by not eating lots of sugary food and ensure that students drink lots of water. Dehydration can cause listlessness, boredom, sleepiness, fatigue.
	Sleep is vital for good learning
	They should have 7-8 hours a night for healthy brain, avoid stimulants and try and get some form of activity.
	Oxygen!
	Deep breathing reduces stress. Most of all especially during exam times, you may not realise how important you are to your child as they may not act like it! However, maintain a calm, positive and reassuring attitude however hard this may be!! It will make a difference. Be aware of the balance between encouragement and pressure and be well informed – have clear, realistic, well informed expectations for students – student parents evenings held 6 times a year will help with this. Please ensure that you have two way communications with the school and if there is a problem, please come to the Principal’s ‘drop’ in, the first Wednesday of every month from 9.00am – 10.00am.
	The role of the Tutor
	The tutor is always the first point of contact for the students and parents. Their role is to monitor student progress and support all members of the tutor group in making maximum progress. The tutor builds up a personal knowledge of each student in their tutor group and establishes good relationships with students and their parents/carers. Key Responsibilities are to monitor: Student strengths and needs including any student on the SEN or EAL register and the stage that they are at data and have an overview of the progress of each student levels of performance of all students through learning targets undertake regular tutor reviews of each student attendance and punctuality use of planner - please sign EVERY week SLEUTH referrals check and sign tutor report cards Support and guide Act as a positive role model Offer praise, encouragement and support Communicate effectively with staff and parents/carers Promote a tutor group identity by encouraging collective responsibilities to activities e.g. fundraising, student council Promote high standards of behaviour, appearance and attitudes to work and school Support the students and provide general guidance to support their leaning Refer concerns to the Head of Year
	If you have any worries or concerns, please check the student planner, parent hand book or web site staff list for your child’s year. You can contact the Tutor, Head of Year, Key Stage Administrator or Year Student Support Mentor.