Educational community
Growing up is a journey that involves many people
In Becoming Education schools, children and young people grow up within a network of relationships that involves families, teachers, educators and school staff.
Everyone has a different role, but by bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise, we can gain a better understanding of needs, changes and the stages of growth. For us, building an educational community means fostering relationships over time that are based on trust, active listening and shared responsibility.
Schools and families: working together
Parent-teacher meetings, parents’ evenings, communications and shared documentation enable families to find out what is happening at school and to discuss their children’s progress with teachers and educators.
Even in the most delicate moments, discussing matters with teachers, educators and other teaching professionals enables us to interpret what is happening together and to identify the strategies best suited to the situation. In education, there are no one-size-fits-all answers: what is needed is professionalism, a willingness to listen and the ability to consider each situation in its own specific context.
Schools and families have different roles, but they share a common goal: to create the right conditions for children and young people to grow, learn and thrive.
The educational partnership takes shape through everyday choices and relationships, not just in documents. It is a partnership that is built over time through listening, clarity and dialogue. It means understanding the school’s educational choices, sharing observations on the progress of children and young people, and being able to discuss matters openly even when questions, difficulties or differing viewpoints arise.
Getting involved in school life
Being part of the community also means having opportunities to meet up, exchange views and share experiences. The ways in which this takes place vary from school to school, but they all meet certain common needs.
Discussing the way forward
Parent-teacher meetings, parents’ evenings and other gatherings enable the school and families to share their observations, understand educational decisions and discuss the children’s and young people’s progress.
Find out more and get support
Meetings with experts, training sessions and, where available, counselling services provide opportunities to explore issues relating to growth and to find support during the challenging stages of growing up.
Sharing experiences together
Parties, workshops and other shared experiences enable children, families and staff to get to know one another, take part in school life and strengthen their sense of belonging.
A community open to the local area
The educational community does not end at the school gates. Every school is part of the local area in which it is situated and builds relationships with the organisations and communities within that area.
Associations, museums, libraries, parks, local venues and community organisations can serve as partners and provide opportunities for interaction, participation and learning.
In this way, children and young people gradually learn to see themselves as part of a wider community and to participate in it with growing awareness.