By Stephanie Price
Head of Academics & Intervention

As Head of Academics and an English teacher with years of experience, I have witnessed the profound impact that parental intervention can have on a child’s educational journey. Your involvement in your child’s learning process is crucial, and it goes beyond attending parent-teacher meetings. In this article, I aim to shed light on the power of intervention and provide you with practical solutions to enhance your child’s academic success.
Understanding the Importance of Parental Intervention
The educational journey is a collaborative effort between teachers, students, and parents. While teachers play a pivotal role in delivering knowledge, parents are instrumental in reinforcing the importance of education at home. Your involvement not only supports your child’s academic growth but also contributes to their overall development.
Here are some suggestions for ways in which you can support your child’s education with home interventions:
Create a Positive Learning Environment at Home
- Establish a designated study space: Designate a quiet and well-lit area for your child to study. A clutter-free and organized space can significantly impact concentration and focus.
- Set a routine: Consistency is key. Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and extracurricular activities. A well-structured routine helps children develop time management skills.
Effective Communication
- Foster open communication: Encourage your child to express their thoughts and concerns about school. Create a safe space for them to share their challenges and successes.
- Regularly check in: Instead of waiting for parent-teacher conferences, make it a habit to check in with your child about their academic progress. This ongoing dialogue allows you to address issues promptly.
Supporting Homework and Assignments
- Be available for questions: Make yourself available when your child needs help with homework or assignments. Your guidance can provide clarity and boost their confidence.
- Encourage independence: While support is essential, encourage your child to develop problem-solving skills. Guide them without solving the problems for them.
Cultivating a Love for Reading
- Lead by example: Demonstrate the joy of reading by making it a family activity. Share your favourite books and discuss theirs.
- Provide a variety of reading materials: Offer a diverse range of reading materials, including books, articles, and newspapers, to cultivate a broad range of interests.
In-School Intervention Strategies
While parents play a crucial role in fostering a positive learning environment at home, it’s equally important to recognize the role of in-school intervention by teachers and the school community.
Below are some of the strategies our school implements to ensure that all students find their learning accessible to them.
Differentiated Instruction
- Teachers employ differentiated instruction strategies to cater to diverse learning styles within the classroom. For instance, in an English class, students may have the option to choose between written essays, oral presentations, or creative projects to demonstrate their understanding of a particular concept. This flexibility allows each student to showcase their strengths and preferences.
Strategic Groupings
- Students who may benefit from additional support in specific subjects or skills may be seated with peers more adept at that subject, so that students naturally challenge and support one another in their small groups. Alternatively, teachers/teaching assistants may conduct small group sessions to provide focused instruction, allowing for more personalised attention and addressing common challenges within the group.
Regular Formative Assessments
- Formative assessments are conducted regularly to gauge student understanding and identify areas of difficulty. Teachers use the feedback gathered to tailor future lessons and interventions based on individual or collective needs.
Use of Technology-Based Resources
- Teachers integrate educational technology tools and resources to provide interactive and engaging learning experiences. Personalised online platforms can offer targeted exercises, adaptive learning modules, and real-time feedback to address individual learning gaps.
Regular Communication with Parents
- Establishing open lines of communication with parents keeps you informed about your child’s academic progress. Parents and teachers can discuss strategies that can be implemented at home to reinforce learning and address any challenges the student may be facing.
Counselling and Mentoring Programs
- Mentoring programs at Key Stage 4 address not only academic but also socio-emotional needs. This, therefore, is providing students with a supportive environment where they can discuss concerns and set goals, which can contribute significantly to their overall success.
Addressing Challenges in the Educational Journey
During their school lives, students will face a myriad of different challenges which they will need our support in solving. Whilst we should encourage independence in our children, intervention from adults academically, pastorally, at school and at home is invaluable in a child’s educational journey.
Below are some tried and tested solutions which may help students with the challenges they face along the way.
Dealing with Academic Pressure
- Encourage a growth mindset: Foster the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset helps children navigate challenges with resilience.
- Celebrate effort, not just results: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s effort, emphasizing that learning is a journey filled with progress and setbacks.
Navigating Technology and Distractions
- Set screen time limits: Establish guidelines for screen time to ensure that technology doesn’t become a distraction. Balance is key for a healthy learning environment.
- Teach digital responsibility: Educate your child about responsible internet use, including the importance of verifying information and avoiding online distractions during study time.
Promoting Emotional Well-being
- Recognise signs of stress: Be attuned to your child’s emotional well-being. If you notice signs of stress or anxiety, address the issue with empathy and seek professional guidance if necessary.
- Encourage a healthy work-life balance: Balance is crucial for a child’s well-being. Ensure they have time for extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relaxation.
As parents, your involvement in your child’s educational journey is a powerful force that can shape their future. By creating a positive learning environment, fostering effective communication, and addressing challenges head-on, you play a crucial role in unlocking your child’s academic potential.
As an educator , I invite you to embrace your role as a partner in your child’s education. Together, let’s empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.
The Differences Between Primary and Secondary Educational Intervention
The power of intervention in primary school versus secondary school marks a critical shift in educational strategies tailored to the unique developmental stages of children. Both stages require deliberate and targeted efforts, but the methods employed and the impact of intervention can vary significantly.
In primary school, intervention plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a child’s academic journey. Early identification of learning gaps and addressing them promptly is crucial during these formative years. Teachers in primary schools often employ a variety of intervention techniques, such as:
Individualised Attention:
In primary school, classes are generally smaller, allowing teachers to provide more individualised attention to students. This personal touch facilitates early identification of challenges and enables swift intervention, ensuring that students grasp fundamental concepts before progressing to higher grades.
Play-Based Learning:
Intervention in primary school often involves play-based learning activities. These activities not only address academic skills but also contribute to the development of social and emotional skills. Early intervention in areas like language development and numeracy can set the stage for a child’s overall academic success.
Parental Involvement:
Primary school intervention often extends to parents, emphasizing the importance of their role in a child’s education. Workshops, interactive sessions, and regular communication help parents understand and contribute to their child’s learning journey.
As students transition to secondary school, the nature of intervention evolves to meet the challenges posed by more complex subjects and a larger academic environment. Key aspects of intervention in secondary school include:
Subject-Specific Support:
In secondary school, intervention becomes more subject-specific, addressing the intricacies of various disciplines. Teachers may employ targeted strategies to support students in challenging subjects, offering additional resources, tutorial sessions, or differentiated instruction.
Career Guidance and Goal Setting:
Secondary school intervention extends beyond academics to encompass career guidance and goal setting. Teachers and counsellors play a crucial role in helping students navigate subject choices, extracurricular activities, and future career paths, ensuring a holistic approach to their development.
Technology Integration:
Secondary school intervention often leverages technology for personalised learning experiences. Online resources, educational apps, and digital platforms can provide tailored interventions, allowing students to learn at their own pace and explore advanced topics.
Preparation for High-Stakes Exams:
Secondary school marks the period leading up to high-stakes exams. Intervention strategies focus on exam preparation, study skills, and stress management. Teachers and support staff work collaboratively to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in standardised assessments.
In summary, the power of intervention is a dynamic force that evolves with the changing needs of students as they progress from primary to secondary school. Early, comprehensive intervention in primary school sets the stage for a strong academic foundation, while targeted and subject-specific interventions in secondary school address the complexities of higher-level education and prepare students for future challenges.
Take the quiz below!
Meet Ms. Stephanie Price
Steph has been teaching English Language and Literature at a secondary level since 2015. She has experience teaching in the UK and Malaysia. Steph has a Bachelors degree with Honours from the University of Kent in Tourism Management, QTS certification from TES Institute and a PGCE from the University of Cumbria. She is currently teaching English and Travel & Tourism at Straits International School Rawang, and is also serving as Head of Academics for the secondary school.