Why Attendance Matters?!

❎ So I was asked recently by a colleague to speak to some 6th years about the impact their lateness & attendance might have on upcoming college/apprenticeship applications.

🌠 I set about designing a poster to run a whole school initiative first & foremost. The link is HERE for anyone who might like to take a look at the customisable format.

💭 This got me thinking on how I might relate this 'boring' age old topic to

to the oh-so-close world of work/training.

✅ Relatibility is key to tap into motivation. Regular school attendance is essential for students for several important reasons. Here are some key points I might convey to the students about why attendance matters:

🧑🏽‍🎓1. **Academic Success:** Attending school regularly ensures that you have the opportunity to learn and understand the material being taught. Consistent attendance helps you keep up with lessons, complete assignments, and perform well on tests and exams. If you're not in you can't win etc etc.

🛣️2. **Continuous Learning:** Learning is a gradual process that builds on what you've learned in previous classes. When you miss school, you risk missing important building blocks of knowledge, which can make it more challenging to grasp new concepts.

👬3. **Participation and Engagement:** Being in school allows you to actively participate in class discussions, group projects, and hands-on activities. It's an opportunity to engage with your teachers and peers, ask questions, and share your ideas.

🤝4. **Teacher Support:** Your teachers are there to help you succeed. They can provide clarification, guidance, and assistance when you're present in class. They may not be able to offer the same level of support to students who are frequently absent.

🪜5. **Preparation for the Future:** Regular attendance helps you develop the discipline and responsibility necessary for success in your future career. Employers value reliability, and good attendance habits in school can translate into good work habits later in life.

🪢6. **Social Development:** School is not just about academics; it's also a place to build friendships and develop social skills. When you attend school consistently, you have more opportunities to make friends, collaborate with peers, and engage in extracurricular activities.

⏰ 7. **Punctuality:** Regular attendance teaches you the importance of being on time for commitments, which is a valuable life skill. It shows that you respect others' time and your own.

🧗 8. **Responsibility:** Attending school is a responsibility that you have as a student. It shows that you take your education seriously and are committed to your personal growth and development.

👩‍⚖️ 9. **Legal Requirements:** In many places, there are legal requirements for school attendance until a certain age. Failing to attend school regularly can lead to legal consequences for both students and their parents.

😢 10. **Missed Opportunities:** When you're absent, you may miss out on field trips, special events, and extracurricular activities. These experiences can be fun and enriching, and they often enhance your overall school experience.

🌳 11. **Continuity:** Attending school regularly helps maintain a sense of continuity and routine in your life, which can contribute to stability and well-being.

🎖️ 12. **Achieving Goals:** Your educational journey is a stepping stone to your future goals and aspirations. Consistent attendance is a critical part of reaching those goals and unlocking opportunities for higher education and career success.

I want them to remember that attendance is not just about being physically present; it's also about actively engaging with the learning process. Regular attendance, combined with active participation and a positive attitude, can lead to a more rewarding and successful school experience.

Like anything in life things have to tap into our own personal 'why'.

What is their why for building up stronger attendance?

What are the barriers?

Who do they need support from?

I have no doubt I will learn more from my participants as we get stuck into the themes set out above.