Pushy Northern Parents

(Posted on 08/12/16)

Just two weeks ago, we wrote about the importance of parental engagement at Chester International School so we have a genuine partnership between home and school. We see this as key to our students’ success and we believe in open communication.

This week, Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner said:

“Parents in the North need to become more like their pushy counterparts in the South if their children are to perform well at school and win places at the best universities”

Very clearly, we believe this blanket brushing of students, parents and schools in the North of England is very narrow in its view and is an inaccurate picture of the parents and students who we are meeting at our school in Chester. Our students and parents are so keen to be involved in conversations about school design, creating an individual pathway for our students and are excited to be involved in our enrichment electives which involve creative activities, sports and lots of other activities.

Forming robust and authentic relationships goes beyond colleagues. There should be genuine triangulation between teacher, student and parents. Enduring relationships between the school and parents and community are key to ensuring our vision is in touch with the community we serve. Bringing parents into this conversation not only strengthens the school community but creates and builds a learning community within and without of the school.

And in return, from our conversations with our Founding Families, the offer at our Studio has evolved and grown to ensure that we are building a school that offers our students the best opportunities which are available.

"One of the real drivers of improvements of schools in London has been the demand for good school results from parents and children. There is much we Northern parents can learn about this parent power."

Chester International School families have embraced their role as partners in our school community… does this make them ‘Southern’?

No.

It makes them ready and keen to be part of the next generation of schools and learning. Our parents know that if we can describe, or if we can even dream of this outstanding learning environment now then we can deliver it now, and our students need and deserve for that to happen. 

 

Kate Ryan                                                                                                                                              Principal