At the end of last term, I had the pleasure of leading a study skills session for KS3 parents/carers. This session was a great opportunity for us to come together and explore ways to support our students’ learning. During the session, I shared key principles from cognitive science, drawn from our school's 8 Principles of Expert Learning, which are displayed in every classroom. These principles are designed to support students in their studies, and parents/carers can also use them to help their children thrive academically.

The three principles we focused on were:

1. Knowledge is Power Expert learners understand that in order to think deeply about a topic, they need a strong foundation of factual information. The more they know, the easier it becomes to learn even more.

2. Learning is the Residue of Thought The most effective way to learn new content is by thinking deeply about it. Expert learners know that by actively engaging with new material, their minds will recognise the content as important and store it in longterm memory.

3. Mastery Takes Time, Variety, and Forgetting Expert learners acknowledge that there are no shortcuts when it comes to mastering a subject. True mastery requires extensive practice, spread over time, with a mix of different tasks and – surprisingly – a bit of forgetting along the way.

Having considered these principles, we then explored practical ways parents/carers can support their child in making the most of their mind. There were lots of great ideas shared, but some of the key suggestions revolved around the following:

Read – Encourage regular reading, not only of fiction but also non-fiction, to build knowledge.

Reduce Distractions – Create an environment conducive to focused learning by minimising distractions, including smartphones.

Build Routines – Establish a regular time to complete homework helping students develop consistency and manage their time effectively.

Ask Questions – Take an active interest in your child’s learning by asking them questions about what they’re studying at school.

Most importantly, students need to prioritise their health by eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and exercise. A balanced lifestyle is essential for both mental and physical well-being, which in turn supports effective learning.

By working together—school, parents/carers, and students—we can foster a collaborative approach to learning that helps every student reach their full potential. Your support at home is a vital part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best possible learning experience for all our students.

Finally, if you would like to know more, I recommend visiting the Learning Scientists website. It’s a fantastic resource for both students and parents/carers, offering valuable insights into cognitive science and practical tips on how to make the most of our minds for learning. Parents can also find out about what is being taught by each subject and when, by consulting the ‘Subject Curriculums’ page on our website.