11 June

2010

Dear parents / carers of students in Years 9 and 10

For those of you that have heard me speak on the subject of achievement, you will
know that I believe that students improve their achievement if there is a strong
partnership between parents / carers, the students and the school.

It is for that reason at Deben we constantly strive to find ways to assist parents /
carers to support their sons / daughters to achieve. If the message comes from
both home and school, then there is a greater chance of success.

The Times Educational Supplement stated Parental involvement in a childs

education can mean the difference between an A* and an also ran at GCSE (TES,
10 October 2003). Research shows that parental involvement in their childs
education is by far the most important determinant of success at school in fact up
to 8 times more influential than other factors.

I write as your son / daughter is in the first year of GCSE (Year 10) or has just
chosen their GCSE option subjects for September (Year 9). It is often during these
years that parental involvement tends to wane because parents / carers believe
they do not have the specialist skills required to support their son / daughter
through this stage in their education. However, help is at hand through the new
guide GCSEs what can a parent do? 101 tips to ensure success which is
available through school.

Costing 3.50, the guide contains a comprehensive and practical guide to each
stage of the GCSE process, from options to revision and examination techniques.
There are tips on setting up a work space, establishing routines and expectations,
dealing with excuses, handling a lack of motivation, planning for coursework and
controlled assessments, dealing with stress and many more. The appendices have
lists of useful websites, clearly explain the GCSE system and include a what to do
if guide.

Should you wish to order one of the guides, please send in the slip attached with
cheque or cash for 3.50 (cheques payable to Deben High School) to the Student
Reception for the attention of the Finance Office by Friday 18 June 2010. Your
copy of the guide will be posted to you upon arrival.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Cawley
Headteacher
 GCSEs what can a parent do?
101 tips to ensure success
Yes! Please order me the guide!

I enclose 3.50 for each guide required in the form of cash or cheque.

Please state how many guides you want:

Total to pay: ____________________________

SIGNED: _________________________________ DATE: _______________________

Your title and full name ________________________________________________

Your son / daughters name ___________________________________________

Your son / daughters year group (please circle) 9 10

Address to post the guide(s) to:

Anything else we need to know?