AROUND THE GROUNDS
Parents as learning partners
As students become more independent, families sometimes wonder: when should I step in, and when should I step back?
Andrew refers to Barry Zimmerman’ s self-regulation theory, which explains that independent learning is shaped by personal habits and the environment.
Great Scot | Issue 173 | 2025
“ To foster independent learners, we need to scaffold their development,” Andrew explains.“ That means building supportive conditions at home and school that help students grow good habits around work and rest.”
Nick says one of the best things you can do is to learn a thing or two with your son.“ Pick up the English book they’ re studying, understand the science experiments they’ re practicing. Occasionally there could be opportunity to help— you can talk to them about it and start a productive conversation.”
Jack Miers adds“ Quite often anger and frustration comes out at that age, when in fact, it’ s regret for not studying, feeling vulnerable, or being unsure. If they’ re lashing out there may be something unsettling your son that he needs support with”.
Parents also need to manage their own concerns.“ VCE can be stressful for families, but it’ s important to be mindful that you’ re not sharing your anxiety with your son” says Jack.
What does a healthy balance look like?
“ For students in Years 7 and 8, we still want them to be kids. We’ re aiming for a model that lets them enjoy learning and the school experience— yes, they’ ll still do homework, but there’ s a balance. School should be important, but not their whole life. Thursday afternoons during the Explore program, for example, should be something they look forward to that steps them outside the academic classroom for a moment” says Nick.
Balance doesn’ t mean every day is perfectly scheduled. It means you have a rhythm that includes all aspects of a wholesome life.
“ It’ s not just about study. You need to make time for the things that sustain you. You can’ t push yourself to exhaustion every day. It’ s the recharge— friends, sport, music, downtime— that keeps you going” Jack explains.
And occasionally, it’ s important to zoom out and remember what matters.
“ Try to be grateful. Try to be useful to the people around you,” Andrew says.“ And— not to be morbid— remember death. Time is our most valuable asset. Use it wisely.”
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