Case study: Tendring Technology College

Could a diploma rewarding parents be one of the best ways to improve students' attainment? This is an abbreviated version of an article that originally appeared in the Guardian.

Tendring technology college (TTC) in north Essex has introduced a log system, asking students to record two brief points about each lesson in their log. Parents can then look at the log and use it to trigger conversations about learning. Caroline Haynes, the principal at TTC, says "Children only spend about 15% of their time at school, but about 85% at home. All the research shows that children whose parents engage with their education are at a huge advantage. The problem, however, is that although most of our parents want their children to do well, many are unsure how to motivate them."

In September, TTC invited all year 7 parents to a two-hour training session to explain to them how to do that. Almost half turned up to the tutorials (more than normally attend a parents' evening), which the school ran twice a week for three weeks. The sessions were such a success that the school is now introducing a Learning to Learn diploma for parents, thought to be the first of its kind, starting in January.

Richard Brennand, an advanced skills teacher at TTC, says the key to getting parents involved is to emphasise that they can make a real difference to their children's learning.

"We explained to parents that their child's progress has little to do with intelligence, but everything to do with emotion. We know from research that the limbic system in the brain stores emotions and feelings, so if parents can stimulate this in a positive way, it will support learning."

But what about parents who just don't understand their child's homework? Brennand acknowledges the barriers facing some parents, but explains that they can coach their child in a subject "even if they know nothing about it. They just need to show an interest in their work, ask them questions, and set them goals. Coach them, in other words."

The new diploma will offer parents a choice of eight subjects - including revision techniques, spelling strategy, mentoring/coaching, and basic skills - in sessions of one and a half hours. Parents who complete three different sessions will receive a diploma presented by the headteacher at a special awards ceremony.

Guardian, 24 October 2006

 

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