Information Evening 6-8pm                         Parents' Evenings 4:30-7:00pm

                                      Year 7                                                               Year 7

                                                                                                                 Wednesday 11th November 2009

                                                                                                                  (NB Date change from 12th November)

                                                                                                                 Thursday 29th April 2010

                                      Year 8                                                                Year 8

                                                                                                                 Thursday 25th March 2010    

                                      Year 9                                                                Year 9

                                      Thursday 4th March 2010                             Thursday 11th February 2010

                                      Options Evening

                                      Year 10                                                             Year 10

                                      Wednesday 21st October 2009                   Thursday 6th May 2010

                                      Raising Achievement Evening

                                      Year 11                                                              Year 11

                                                                                                                  Thursday 21st January 2010

Parents’ and Information Evenings are one of the best opportunities for you to meet teachers to discuss how your child is doing; it is important for you to attend these evenings. We operate an appointment system and it is best to make sure you are armed with questions! Remember, these evenings are a two way process ~ while parents want and need to know how their child is doing, this is also an opportunity for teachers to learn how your child acts at home, for instance their approach to homework, and to make suggestions to parents on how they can help with their child’s learning.

Tips for a successful Parents’ Evening:

• Read your child’s school report or other relevant progress information before you go to talk about your child at school
• If possible, look at some of your child’s work beforehand.
• If the teacher says anything that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask them what they mean.
• If you feel nervous about meeting teachers, remember they probably feel the same way about meeting parents!!!
• Try to come away from the meeting with some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers will take to help your child succeed.
• If there are any points of conflict, try to talk about them with teachers and find a solution that is in the best interests of your child. The sooner a problem is addressed the greater the chance of solving it quickly and sensibly
• If you think a meeting might be difficult, take another adult such as a family member or friend along to give you support and help bring a different perspective to the situation.
• Make a few notes of the meeting if it will help you remember what was said and what was agreed.

Here is a checklist of questions you might want to ask at Parents’ Evenings:

• What are my child’s strengths?
• Has my child shown any special talents?
• What is my child finding difficult? How can I help with this?
• Can you show me examples of these?
• Does my child try hard enough?
• Does my child join in classroom discussions?
• How can I help with my child’s school work in general?
• Has my child made sufficient progress since his/her last  report?
• Is my child happy at school?
• Has my child made friends?
• Does my child’s behaviour give any cause for concern?

   

You might want to get a copy of the booklet from the DfES (Department for Education and Skills) called ‘Making the most of Parents’ Evenings’ ~ copies are available directly from the DfES (0845 6022260).  This booklet will help you make the most of Parents’ Evenings.  It looks at preparing for Parents’ Evenings, making the most of your time with teachers, setting targets and helping your child after Parents’ Evenings.