For many parents, Semester 1 report cards have likely arrived in the past week or so. For some, there are cheers of excitement as their children are progressing well, however for some, the report cards show another step back. Another semester of falling behind and struggling in the classroom.
Now, I’m not saying report cards are the number one thing that determines success. There are lots of factors that determine a child’s academic ability, confidence, motivation and attitude towards learning.
The fact is though, report card results play a huge role in high school acceptance, scholarship applications and extension opportunities. They also show whether your child is meeting the standard – And if they’re not, this is something to investigate.
We also know that for some parents, report cards can be a massive source of confusion and concern. All the marks, comments, effort levels – what does it actually mean?
We believe that understanding your child’s report card and knowing what steps to take next can make a significant difference in their academic journey. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process effectively.
Understanding Your Child’s Report Card
1. Grasp the Marking System
Report cards often use various grading systems, including letter grades (A, B, C), percentages, or descriptive feedback. Understanding the grading system used by your child’s school is crucial for interpreting their performance accurately.
- Letter Grades: Typically reflect a range of performance, with A indicating excellent and F indicating failing. Letter grades are the most commonly used in Australia.
- Percentages: Provide a more precise measure of performance, usually on a scale of 0-100%.
- Descriptive Feedback: Offers qualitative insights into your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Look Beyond the Grades
Grades are important, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Pay attention to:
- Teacher Comments: These provide valuable context about your child’s behavior, participation, and attitude towards learning.
- Effort and Conduct Scores: These can indicate how hard your child is trying and how well they are adapting to the school environment. If there is low effort and a low mark, you know there is potential for improvement with focus and attention. If there is high effort and a low mark, this may be a sign of difficulty understanding as your child is trying their best but not succeeding.
- Subject-Specific Skills: Some report cards break down performance into specific skills within each subject, giving a clearer picture of where your child excels or needs support. Some students may excel at Maths, whilst others excel in English and Science.
Steps to Take After Receiving the Report Card
Celebrate Achievements – Big & Small
My number one piece of advice is NEVER focus on the negatives first. Even if you know there are poor effort comments, or disappointing results, it will serve you no purpose to make your child feel worse than they ‘most likely’ already feel.
Recognising and celebrate any small success, as this is essential for building their confidence and motivation. Praise their hard work and any improvements they have made.
Discuss the Report Card Together
Then, sit down with your child and review the report card together. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective:
- What subjects did you enjoy and why?
- Where did you feel like you struggled?
- What do you think led to this comment/result?
- How do you think we can improve next Term?
Identify Areas for Improvement
Pinpoint specific areas where your child needs support. Look for patterns in their grades and teacher comments that indicate consistent challenges.
The focus area may not necessarily be a subject. It could be:
- Becoming more attentive in class.
- Building confidence so they feel capable.
- Handwriting and pencil grip.
It’s not always the academic side of things that students need to work on.
Set Realistic Goals
Help your child set realistic and achievable goals for the next term. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming.
I always like to write goals in the form of ‘I will…’
- I will try my best before giving up.
- I will explain my answer before submitting the exam.
- I will edit my sentences before saying I am finished.
Create an Action Plan
Develop a plan to address areas for improvement:
- Homework and Study Habits: Establish a consistent routine for homework and study time.
- Extra Help: Consider seeking additional support from teachers or tutors.
- Skill Development: Focus on building foundational skills that will support long-term academic success.
For extra support, ThriveTutors Education Hub has over $10,000 worth of study materials, learning guides and resources for that extra revision!
Understanding your child’s report card and taking proactive steps can make a significant impact on their academic performance. By celebrating their achievements, discussing their progress, setting realistic goals, and seeking additional support when needed, you can help your child succeed.
At ThriveTutors, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you would like personalised one-on-one tutoring support, or a parent coaching session on what to do next, we’ve got you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our support services and how we can help your child reach their full potential.
