FEATURED STORY

Studio 6 Expectations Evening

A report by Sania Mir, Achievement Coach

Sarah Forster, Head of Studio 6, with her Santa-like sack introduced strategies  for how parents could support, guide and encourage positive learning in their children at a very interesting expectations evening. Out of this sack Miss Forster brought items that parents could buy their children for under £30 that would consolidate classroom and independent learning. A school bag, folders, post-it notes, plastic wallets, a bottle of water, a football, a wall planner, a student diary and a banana. Each item symbolized an aspect of the students' daily life that can help to develop learning. A football showed that extracurricular activities have proven to be beneficial to help a student learn how to balance their time wisely. The banana symbolized the improved effect on concentration a healthy snack can have. It has been researched that the potassium in a banana assists learning, gives brain power and makes you feel more alert. This idea has interested many of our students who have said that ‘if we eat anything for breakfast it definitely is a banana.' Another student said ‘Before I never ate breakfast. Now I make sure I eat a banana everyday!'

Another theme Miss Forster was keen to portray was that during our 30 hour learning week a student ‘ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO DO!' This can be finishing assignments to meet deadlines or revision, but it can also be something as simple as reading newspapers, which helps develop knowledge of specific subjects and areas of interest. For example, our sports students should be reading the sports pages regularly to increase their understanding of what is going on at present. It can also be reading books or reading in preparation for topics that will be taught in class. Students have said how much more relaxed they feel after using their free time appropriately. ‘Reading at leisure really helps me focus'.

Miss Forster then moved on to inform parents about our policies on homework. Every Studio 6 student gets five hours of homework per subject. Then, in the most novel way, she showed parents and students what our dress code is. A student taking pride in the black trousers, black suit jacket and any smart top and shoes verses a student dressed in their sportswear. Which is appropriate to our Studio 6 ethos? Of course the professional work image which fits our vision of preparing students for the workplace.

Finally Miss Forster spoke about the positive impact that enrichment has. Employers and universities in the 21st century not only require great qualifications but search for employees who could bring a whole lot more to the table. Enrichment gives students two hours per week, on Wednesdays 1.20-3.20, to join in with activities that will develop skills such as commitment, teamwork and help students balance their time -  all of which universities admire.

Students Roxanne, Rosie and Carlton were invited to speak and they shared their views of enrichment. Overall the students felt that enrichment prepared them for university and working life and felt that the expectations evening was very rewarding.

Ms. Woodhead then spoke about UCAS and preparation for university and agreed that enrichment was good preparation for this. Finally Miss Lea spoke about the planners - the student ‘bible' which contains vital information and key dates for students and parents.

Overall a very informative and eye opening evening for all involved.

Student quotes following the evening...

"I always eat a banana for breakfast now!"

"I pick up whatever I can to read....it really calms me down and helps me focus."

"The dress code makes me feel more confident about having to work in a professional way later on in life."

"We really do always have something to do in our study lessons!"