Robert Smyth Academy parents are articulate and informed; we listen when you speak.

A theme of feedback from parents has been a request for more information about how you can support your child to make brilliant progress.

We are delighted to be able to provide this guide so that our students have the most aspirational school experience possible because their families know how to support them well.

Our view – as evidenced in the most successful schools in the country – is that almost all students can develop excellent attitudes to learning. This will make them happier, more respectful, successful, aspirational, and better qualified. Families play a crucial role in supporting children in forming and sustaining excellent habits. So, we’ll start here…

How can I help my child academically?

1. Visit our curriculum page here to identify what topics are coming up in each subject. The school library has books to support additional reading. We suggest starting with English, Maths and Science.
2. Test and quiz your child on their knowledge. You can do this by using their work, either in their exercise books or from knowledge organisers, which is highly beneficial. It will help your child remember more knowledge in the long term.
3. Ensure your child completes homework to the highest standard. You can see what homework has been set by logging onto Satchel One. Help your child by building time into their day to complete the work. You should refer to the Robert Smyth Homework Policy which outlines how much homework your child is likely to be set to support their learning and progress:

Robert Smyth Homework Policy

4. Inform the school if your child expresses difficulty in school. If your child is struggling, we want to know about it. Email the school office who will redirect this for you. More information about support available can be found here:
5. Supporting your child during assessment weeks. Assessments are nothing to worry about. Parents should encourage pupils to revise, stay calm and do their best.
6. Encourage practice. Students should practise reading, mathematical skills, handwriting, remembering powerful knowledge and writing in an extended fashion. Enthusiastic parents (though perhaps less popular) could set spelling tests, mathematical quizzes, and quick subject quizzes, and provide rewards accordingly.

How can I help my child to develop reading fluency?

1. You should ensure your child reads for 30 minutes every evening. This will benefit them in so many ways, and it has been proven to be a great way for children and adolescents to gain a sense of calm at the end of a busy day. This is even better if you can engage them in a conversation about what they are reading! This is an extensive list of suggested texts for the most aspirational readers.
2. Find opportunities to discuss issues of the day, including newspapers, and create time with your child for healthy discussion. Reading credible news online may also be suitable.
3. Consider credible magazine subscriptions. Some nonfiction magazines are informative; subscriptions ensure your child will read them continually. ‘The Week’ is an example of a magazine that many children benefit from reading.
4. Encourage your child to visit our library to talk to Mrs Coxon (Reading Co-ordinator). We can signpost your child to diverse texts with the right amount of challenge to ensure readers can be stretched.
5. Encourage your child to read the RSA Reading List. We expect students to read as many of these great books as they can by the time they finish Year 11 so that they have the greatest access to the highest quality of writing possible.

How can I ensure that my child is organised?

Help your child to organise themselves before they leave home. They will need all items on this checklist:

• Full school uniform
• Academic equipment (pencil case, calculator etc.)
• PE kit, if applicable
• VIP Card
• Any books they have taken home that they need for a lesson that day.
• Water bottle (lunch, if appropriate).
• School bag
• Whiteboard and pen

What else can I do to support my child?

1. Limit and control your child’s use of social media. Social media can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills.
2. Check your child’s phone, including social media, to keep them safe.
3. Take your child’s mobile phone at bedtime and limit time on game consoles. This will help your child manage a good night’s rest before the next school day. No screen time one hour before bed is recommended.
4. Help your child find a hobby that allows them to express themselves positively. This is so important to their overall development, and we will always support this element of personal growth. If they are doing great things outside of school, let us know so we can celebrate this and encourage them, too!
5. If the school needs to apply a sanction for poor behaviour or lack of organisation, including homework, then you should support the school. This way, your child will know that home and school are working together, and we both insist on high standards. If you think that we have missed something, then we will always listen to you, but it is crucial that our partnership is strong enough to support the journey of your child through the teenage years.
6. Provide a conducive study space for your child. Somewhere they can work and revise without distraction.