It’s important to maintain good school attendance from reception, all the way through a pupil’s education journey and particularly too from Year 7 onwards as they prepare for their important GCSEs.
The benefits of being in school are numerous, including:-
- Learning new skills and interests which will help to inform future career prospects
- Being able to experience things you’ve never tried before – science experiments, different sports and learning how to cook
- Socialising and making lasting friendships
- Gaining confidence
- Get support on a whole range of topics including mental health
Lessons build on what children already know so by missing one lesson, makes tomorrow’s lesson more difficult.
Hear from the staff at Halewood Academy about why you should make every school day count . . . .
Mr Critchley, Executive Principal, said “There are many reasons why school attendance is so important. There are the obvious academic and social benefits. Strong attendance at school is crucial and there is a direct correlation between school attendance and higher academic achievement. Students that miss days in school can have gaps in their knowledge, leading to them feeling that they are falling behind. There are also the social and emotional benefits of school, seeing friends and spending time with them, but also having opportunities to take part in extra-curricula activities. We want students to confidence and resilience so remember that attendance matters and make every day count.”
Mr Day, Assistant Principal said “There are once in a lifetime experiences that young people can only get when they are here in school. We share a belief that good attendance at school is vital for any child’s academic and social development. It helps to build positive and lasting friendships that are so important.”
Mrs Truman, Kitchen Assistant, said “We always look forward to welcoming students to school every day. They can sit and catch up with their friends while enjoying some of their favourite food and snacks.”
Mrs Roberts, Senior Leader of Mathematics said “There is a clear link between attendance and attainment. Good attendance is vital for academic performance. To achieve in school, you have to be here, to show up and be in your lessons to access your amazing teachers, access the rich curriculum which is designed for you to succeed.
Ms Scott, Associate Assistant Vice Principal, said “Good attendance promotes good discipline, self esteem and improves children’s wellbeing so they are more likely to lead happier lives. It’s also important that we help our students to get into good habits that will be crucial in further and higher education, apprenticeships and ultimately the workplace and beyond.”
Mr Helps, Form Tutor, said “In school, we celebrate good attendance regularly. Just a few days absence can have a significant effect on a student’s learning. For example, a student who has 90% attendance in a year will lose 4 weeks of learning throughout the year.
Mrs Cross, Vice Principal, said “Good attendance creates a sense of belonging and connectiveness in school and will help to build the foundations for academic success. We have a good support network with pupils to help and encourage their attendance. We want to work with pupils and their families to ensure that they can attend school regularly and happily.
Mrs Traynor, Progress Leader, said “For students, good attendance leads to good opportunities. This then leads to good future life chances.”
Parents are also reminded that there is support available if they have concerns around their child’s attendance – please speak to your child’s teacher at the earliest opportunity. The school will then take steps to provide support and address any issues as early as possible.