A Parent’s Guide to the School Curriculum

**Collaborative Post**

#AD As we prepare to start a new school year, you and your children are probably full of questions and maybe even worry about what to expect for the year ahead. As a parent, one thing it is important to understand your child’s school curriculum, as it can be used as a means to support their academic journey effectively. However, given that the outlook of education is constantly evolving, it can sometimes feel quite overwhelming to keep up with the terminology, methods used, and goals of the overall curriculum. That is why we have put together this handy post to hopefully ease some of those nerves ahead of the start of school. 

Below is a parent's guide to the school curriculum, as advised by this Independent School in Devon.

Understanding the components of the curriculum

The first step to getting a better idea of the school curriculum is by understanding its components. Typically, it will include subjects, learning objectives, and assessments these should all be provided to you when your child starts their school year so you have an idea of what they will be learning about throughout the year. So be sure to familiarise yourself with the objects that your child will study, and the specific learning expectations set for each level. Learning standards are essentially what outline the skills and knowledge your child is expected to have acquired by the end of the school year.

Communication

Be sure to maintain communication with your child's teacher, by attending parents' evenings, meet and greet sessions, and school events, as this will help you stay informed about any progression in the curriculum. Don't forget to ask any questions that you may have about the teaching methods, or assessment techniques that are used in the classroom. Also, don't be afraid to convey any worries or struggles your child may be having with their teacher. Whether you encourage your child to do this, or you do this in private with their teacher, knowing your child may be struggling allows the teacher to help you all. This simple communication will help you understand how to reinforce different concepts at home and ensure that your supportive methods align with the academic goals set by the school.

Staying Informed

It is common for there to be regular updates and changes in the curriculum, especially as education is constantly evolving. This means that schools may take on new teaching methods or incorporate learning tools that are driven by technology. Regularly check the school's website and subscribe to newsletters to stay informed about any changes to the curriculum. This small effort will ensure you’re always up to date with the latest news and technology the school may be using, which can help you provide better support for your child in the long run.

Navigating the school curriculum may seem like a daunting task, but is in fact one that requires nothing but some time and effort to ensure you actively contribute to your child’s academic success.

xXx