Sunnybank Primary School has opened its doors to parents and carers with a series of fun after-school clubs. The lively four-week clubs get P1 and P2 pupils involved in everything from cooking and art to ICT skills, with the difference that the clubs are attended by parents too.
Headteacher Caroline Johnstone explains the idea behind the clubs: 'With Curriculum for Excellence there are lots of different activities that children are taking part in. We've got lots of overseas families who have very different experiences of school to what their children are going home and talking about, so we wanted to do something to give them an opportunity to see what we're doing, see what the opportunities for learning are and to let them take part in fun activities.'
'It helps me because we have something to talk about, and that way we get to interact more about what he can do at school and how he can bring it home to discuss,' says Ibitayo Oseghale, who regularly attends the after-school ICT club. 'I get to know more about the staff. It’s an open door for me to discuss my child as well.'
Boosting confidence
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Both parents and teachers have noticed the pride children feel when their parent or carer takes the time to become involved in their learning. Nicola Stoddart, whose son Dylan is a P2 pupil in the school, has noticed a boost to his confidence, and is pleased to see Dylan passing on the skills he has learned to his little sister. For Dylan's part, it's quality time with his mum. 'I'm doing pitta pockets with my mum. I like how my mum helps me.' And Nicola has enjoyed the experience so much that she and a fellow parent have volunteered to run the clubs.
Sunnybank has recorded the experience through video, photographs and presentations displayed on the school monitor. 'The pupils delight in having their learning recognised, valued and celebrated,' says Caroline.
Recognising achievements
To further recognise pupils' achievements and maintain the momentum of the parental involvement project, the school is now introducing an achievement award. This home learning scheme gives pupils a range of tasks to complete at home with their parents or carers. With an emphasis on active learning, the tasks capitalise on the learning that can be found in everyday experiences, and pupils get to choose the activities that most interest them.
With the help of their parents, pupils bring evidence of their learning into school in the form of photographs, drawings or models. Their efforts are recognised in an individual achievement record, and are displayed on the school monitor in the foyer and at assembly.
'I think it’s a quite important thing to realise what the children are up to because I don't think you always know,' says parent Christine Cowie. 'You get your parents' evening and things, but if the school is willing to do these clubs why shouldn’t the parents be involved? It’s good to be involved.'
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