GEMS Twickenham Primary Academy
Inspiring Education and Achievement for Life
You can play an active role in your child's education
As a parent, it’s only natural that you’ll want to take an active role in your child’s education. At GEMS, we actively encourage parents to engage with their child’s learning and are leading the way by introducing a parental engagement strategy into all our schools.
Research has shown that the single biggest reason a child does well at school is the support of parents who take a real, active and consistent interest in their child’s education at home. The research suggests that a parent who is actively and consistently engaged in their child’s learning can add the equivalent of two to three years of additional education over their school career. This is precisely why we’re so keen to promote the importance of parental engagement.
Conversation is at the heart of positive parental engagement. It’s not necessarily about sitting with your child and helping them with their homework. Every parent, regardless of their culture, language or experience, can talk to their child and show an interest in their learning. By asking questions, listening and encouraging you child with praise and direction, you can reinforce learning and become an active partner in the educational process.
We invite our parents to join our governance of standards and safeguarding. Each committee has oversight of two schools in the Trust and the new school in Kingston/Surbiton will join this group when it opens. Parents are invited to elect a representative on to this committee.
We have termly Parent Forums where we encourage parents to send in topics for discussion or educational issues relating directly to the school, to gather parents' views and suggestions in termly meetings with the senior leadership team.
Views of all parents are sought every year and reported back to governors and parents. The Principal uses this information to refine whole school strategic development plans.
We actively support the formation of a Parent Teacher Association, developing the role of parents as leaders and representatives, as well as providing structured opportunities to involve parents in decision-making and fundraising for the school.
If you are interested in joining our PTA please do contact our School Office on 02030196196. The office staff will give you the contact information of our PTA Chair who will be able to explain the committee structure and how vacancies for class representatives are filled.