Parental Involvement

Whilst it is important that Sixth Form students gradually develop more and more independence in order to be ready for their next step, we see our partnership with parents/carers as a vital ingredient in ensuring excellent outcomes for all.

To this end we invite parents/carers to a range of information and consultation evenings throughout the two years:

  • Year 12 Parents Information Evening (slides are available at the bottom of this page)

  • Year 12 Parents Consultation Evening

  • Year 12 Parents Higher Education Information Evening

  • Year 13 Parents Information Evening (slides are available at the bottom of this page)

  • Year 13 Parents Consultation Evening

We will also provide parents/carers with the following key assessment information:

  • Year 12 Progress Review Grades (Autumn term)

  • Year 12 Progress Review Grades and Written Report (Spring Term)

  • Year 12 Progress Review Grades and Tutor Comment (Summer Term)

  • Year 13 Progress Review Grades + UCAS predicted grades (Autumn term)

  • Year 13 Progress Review Grades and Written Report (Spring Term)

If a teacher or tutor has concerns regarding a Sixth Form student (e.g. attendance, progress, welfare) they will contact home in the first instance. If problems persist then the Sixth Form Team will become involved to provide the necessary support and interventions and make contact with parents/carers.

Tutors, teachers and the Sixth Form team are always on hand to respond to any queries or concerns parents/carers may have or be notified of any important updates/information regarding a student’s welfare. Contact details of key staff are issued at the Year 12 Information Evening at the beginning of the first term.

Maintaining maximum attendance (with no unauthorised absences) is a crucial factor in A-level success and we ask that parents/carers contact the school (via the absence line) to inform us if a student is unwell or unable to attend. 

Parents can also enjoy and celebrate students’ positive participation and achievements in school and Sixth Form life through attending such events as The Sixth Form Fashion Show, The House Drama Finals, The School Play and Fruition (the annual Arts Faculty exhibition).

 

TEN PRACTICAL THINGS PARENTS/CARERS CAN DO TO SUPPORT STUDENTS

  1. Timetable - Display the student’s timetable so everyone is reminded about when your son / daughter needs to be in school and by what time.

  2. Area to study - Create a ‘silent study’ area in the house (free from distractions and siblings) to enable focused study.

  3. Gadgets - Keep bedrooms a gadget free zone – insist on laptops / TVs in public areas of the home only and avoid having phones being used in bed at night as it prevents sleep and causes students to be tired/late in the morning. Mobile phone charging at night could be in the kitchen rather than the bedroom.

  4. Discuss – ask specifically about private study and HOW is a student learning e.g. “What three things did you learn in private study today that you didn’t know before?” Also discuss Progress Review reports and praise effort grades of E (Excellent) and G (Good). But be concerned about Is (Inconsistent) and U (Urgent Action Required).

  5. Insist on ACTIVE study: passively reading from notes / exercise / text books ISN’T learning – they need to be: note‐taking; mind‐mapping; creating revision cards; storyboards; attempting timed condition responses (with no books or resources).

  6. Revision time – students ought to be studying about 3 hours a night four nights a week and another 6-8 hours at the weekend. Split revision and independent study completed at home into bitesize chunks: 1 hour per subject; avoid spending prolonged periods only focussing on one subject.

  7. Insist on breaks and relaxation time – studying every minute of every day isn’t effective or healthy

  8. Limit the amount of time expected to assist with helping with siblings and house chores – whilst it is important that students learn to balance multiple tasks, they must also be allowed to spend adequate time on their studies – that is, after all, why they are in the sixth form!

  9. Limit the amount of time spent on part‐time jobs – one day at the weekend is more than enough, any more (for example in the evenings or more than one ‘shift’ a week) is too much and simply won’t give the student enough time to dedicate to their studies.

  10. Lessons count – limit the amount of time out of lessons through trips in term time and sickness so encourage healthy eating and lifestyle. Book Open Days for university in January so you get the weekend dates rather than weekdays. www.opendays.com is a useful site to use to find out about Open Days. Start looking from January in Year 12.

 

16-19 BURSARY FUND

We can offer financial support if personal or family circumstances make it difficult for a student to continue their studies in the Sixth Form. A bursary fund is available to help cover the cost of extras such as textbooks, specialist resources, enrichment activities and travel.  For more information visit the UK Government website which provides further information.

 

Bishop Luffa Sixth Form Year 13 Parents Induction Evening Sept 2024 Bishop Luffa Sixth Form Year 12 Parents Induction Evening Sept 2024 VESPA Effort Grades