EDUCATION inside THE SCHOOL
HELPING CHILDREN TO EMBRACE CHANGE
DR EMMA MARGRETT , HEAD OF PREP AT RADNOR HOUSE , SEVENOAKS , DISCUSSES HOW TRANSITION CAN HAVE A PROFOUND EFFECT ON STUDENTS AND OFFERS TIPS ON HOW PARENTS CAN HELP CHILDREN TO ADAPT .
After a few years of uncertainty , it is no surprise that children may need more support than previous cohorts to manage transition in their education . Whether it is a step up to a new year group , facing examinations and assessments or moving schools , there are several ways parents can include their child in decisions about their future and help them to build the skills and attitudes to embrace change .
Help your child to form opinions but make the final decision
When making life-changing decisions about their academic future , such as choosing their next school , children aged 10-12 often make decisions based on others ’ opinions rather than their own . Give them agency to build their own opinion by pointing out which options might suit their interests . Encourage your child to voice their views but have the confidence that as their parent , you will instinctively know what is a good fit .
Reward effort , not results
Influenced by social media and their peers , children are aware of the pressures to look successful and achieve ‘ life goals ’ that will impress others . This focus on results can be damaging for both higherattaining pupils , who worry about living up to expectations , and those who find academics more challenging , who can lose confidence and give up . It can also build fear around failure . Instead , reward the preparation and commitment a child puts into accomplishing a task . Research shows that children who are praised for effort rather than outcomes push themselves further and achieve more .
Discuss alternative outcomes
There are instances when an examination , an interview or even a sports match seems like the most important event in the world . It helps to discuss what will happen if the results don ’ t meet your child ’ s expectations . Understanding that other opportunities will be available helps children to focus on doing their best , rather than growing anxious over possible failure .
Mitigate unnecessary stress
If your child finds examinations a challenge , it is worth considering an allthrough school , such as Radnor House . This relieves the pressure of assessments at age 11 or 13 , as children move seamlessly from the prep school to the senior school . Talk to your child ’ s teacher , who will share insight into their talents , the situations they flourish in and the activities they enjoy . All schools are not the same , so take the time to identify what the non-negotiable subjects and activities are for your child .
Let children make mistakes
Too often parents take the blame for lost PE kits and forgotten homework , preventing children from learning from the consequences . However , taking responsibility for small tasks such as packing their bag , even at a young age , teaches children organisational skills and helps them to develop independence . It also supports them to keep calm when things don ’ t go according to plan !
Radnor House Sevenoaks is an independent day school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18 . Book a space on our Prep School Open Day on 18 March 2023 : www . radnor-sevenoaks . org / opendays-tours .
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