The Home-School Connection

Q. Describe the home-school connection in the UK.

In my experience the UK especially hold high regard for a strong home-school connection. From open days to induction days, and from entry to graduation…parents are encouraged to play an active role in their child’s education.

Education should not, and does not, only take place within the classroom; we are forever learning new things through experience and assimilation. Thus is seems sensible to build a connection between school and family to ensure that parents are confident and able to support the development of their child.

If you believe that children come into the world as a ‘blank slate’ and that it is the environment that influences their perceptions and decisions, I think we should be foraging a decent amount of consistency by the two main benefactors in a child’s life…Parental/family input and education at school. If both parties are dedicated to advancing their child academically and socially, then surely that child is more likely to do so.

Building that strong connection between home and school can prove difficult in some cases, even when both parties seem to have that one main thing in common – wanting the best for their children/students, it is here where my interest lies. In my experience, parents who show a positive interest in school and their child’s learning prove to be great role-models for their children, and these are the children that are confident at school…and most importantly enjoy their education. Not only that, but they are proud to be associated with the school and take part in many after school activities. When that connection is weak or non-existent, children can sometimes question why they are even at school…”Well my dad hated school…he didn’t even finish!” I do not want to generalize though, this is not ALWAYS the case. It is a simply fact that every child and every family is different.

In my future teaching it is likely that I will meet a huge range of differences and conflicting views. But in my opinion, if you can form a mutual-respect relationship with the parents of your pupils as quickly as possible, and show them that they are equally responsible in their child’s development, parents are more likely to help (and want to help). It’s that feeling of empowerment that makes us all feel motivated…lets motivate our less confident parents and increase their confidence…they play a huge and unquestionable part in their child’s life!