Insights for parents who want to do more

Inspire Your Child: Ignite a Fire!

What inspires children most?

To inspire is to be a guiding light for another person. In the short term, this may be a parent helping a child see the meaningfulness behind what they are learning at school. In the long term, it is about enabling them to see and work towards life beyond school in a way that allows them to thrive.

Email, Call, Meet: Understanding How Schools Keep Parents Informed

How schools communicate with parents and what to expect

Education is maximised when there is coordination and cooperation between all parties. The student is at the centre, but the school works to maintain a partnership with parents and guardians—involving, informing, and consulting them because they provide valuable insight and can support what happens in school.

Feedback Matters

How Parents Can Influence Schools Through Meaningful Engagement

Schools are a microcosm of society, and they evolve as societies evolve. In such a constantly changing system, it is essential that schools are adaptable and appropriately responsive. For parents, this presents a real opportunity—not just to observe, but to actively influence how schools grow and improve.

Step Up and Support

How Parents Can Help Their Child Lead and Make a Difference in School

Taking initiative as a student can do more than support personal growth — it can transform a school community. With the right encouragement, even small acts of leadership from children can create a ripple effect, improving the school experience for everyone.

New Year, New Opportunities

How Parents Can Help Their Child Make the Most of a Fresh Start in School

A new year brings children the chance to reset, grow, and make meaningful changes. While school can sometimes feel like a cycle of repeated routines, each year offers an opportunity for parents to guide their child in building on past experiences, strengthening connections, and stepping outside their comfort zone.

Keeping Abreast

Being in the know about your child's education!

Parents and guardians are a vital part of all students' experience in education. However, to make the most of this, all parties must be engaged. This may mean that, as a parent or guardian, you do some background work on the opportunities available to you. You are your child's champion and chief cheerleader, don't be shy!

Asking the Right Questions

Ten parent-teacher interview questions for parents

I have been on 'both' sides of parent-teacher interviews. The reflections that are bound to this reality are quite simultaneously amusing and bemusing! However, not too long ago, I started to ask myself, what questions SHOULD parents be asking? What questions do I want to be asked as a teacher? This article is about just that!

Getting Involved

How to contribute more to students' education

There are plenty of opportunities for parents and/or guardians to get involved in school life. As a teacher-parent, I have often marvelled at the joys of these possibilities. The most common are the traditional and seasonal opportunities such as end of year or festive celebrations.

Helping with Homework

How to support students with their homework

Homework tasks can offer great insights into what a child is learning at school, but they can also be daunting when they come to us for help. As a parent or guardian, you want to help, but you also want to ensure the student knows how to help themselves. This article gives some direction and caution.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Connect Concepts in Lessons

Using connections to craft exceptional learning experiences

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Hook Concepts in Lessons

Hooking concepts for student engagement in lessons

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Structure Lessons Through "Acts"

Mastering the art of instructional choreography

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Shape the Main Part of a Lesson

Leveraging effective teaching strategies for impactful lessons

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Use Plenaries to Make Learning Stick

Parting (or Party!) strategies for making lessons stick

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Join the CHAMPS!—Understanding How Teachers Craft Great Starters for Impactful Lessons

Empowering students with engaging starters for impactful learning

Joining the CHAMPS means understanding one of the most effective teaching strategies teachers use for planning effective lessons. The CHAMPS acronym stands for "Connection, Hook, Acts, Main, Plenary, Starter". This method helps create engaging learning experiences, driving student success and fostering an interactive learning environment.