Parental involvement in a child's education can mean the difference between an A* and an 'also ran' at GCSE'. (TES, 10 October 2003). The Campaign for Learning found that parental support is eight times more important in determining a child's academic success than other factors.
The value of parental interest and involvement even when they are 'all grown up' is incalculable. Exam results depend on more than good teaching and lucky questions on the day - success results equally from motivation, persistence, good organisation, careful planning of revision and 'exam technique' - all of which you can influence.
And the good news is...you don't have to be an 'expert' in any of the subjects your child is studying to make a real difference, and you don't have to become a 'super parent' giving up your own life and responsibilities - you just need to know how best to spend the time you do have, at each stage of the process. The aim of this booklet is to enable you to do this - providing you with the practical information you will need to help your child to meet the demands of KS4, in partnership with your child and the school.
The book covers:
- Common frustrations of parents at KS4 (you are not alone!)
- Exactly what your child needs to be able to do at each stage.
- What you can do to support them in developing the skills they need.
- What to do when things go horribly wrong.
- What to do about excuses and lack of motivation.
- Finding your way around the GCSE system.
- Building a partnership with the school that works for your child.
- Key websites and other stuff to support you and your child (we've tried them all out for you!)
About the Author: Julie Casey is a chartered psychologist who taught for 16 years (winning 'Teacher of the Year' in 1995) and a mother of our - very different - one time GCSE students. Julie would like to thank them all for their insights, support and (sometimes excessive) challenge in creating a book that makes sense not just to parents, but to their children too.