One of the biggest decisions a parent or carer makes is choosing the secondary school for their child. The open evening may be the first taste of life at high school for both children and parents, so it's an important event. Not only is it an opportunity for them to experience the school's atmosphere, it is also a chance for them to get real information rather than relying on community rumour and hearsay.
What parents want to know when they visit the high school:
- academic information: the range of subjects on offer and the way in which they are taught.
- the level of academic achievement.
- how discipline is maintained.
- system for pastoral care.
- the particular strengths of the school.
- extra-curricular and sporting opportunities.
- the school's plans for the future.
Leeds' schools have open evenings at different times of the year. The first is often in October so parents can get a feel for the school before deciding which establishment they would like their child to attend. A second open evening may take place in the summer term on or around induction day. Parents are given practical information about uniforms, behaviour, where to find things out, the school's expectations, behaviour policy, etc.
Model 1
Schools in Leeds have successfully used a variety of formats for open evenings. Here are some of the elements they have included:
- a formal welcome from the head teacher or head of year, followed by a question and answer session.
- inviting parents to watch model lessons so they can observe children at work.
- scheduled meetings with Year 7 form teachers.
- question and answer sessions with form tutors in their own classrooms. Because these involve smaller groups than a full meeting in the school hall, parents often find it easier to ask questions.
- informal meetings with Year 7 form teachers over refreshments.
- staged activities such as drama, dance, musical and sports activities.
- fashion shows to show the school uniform and how it should be worn.
Many schools also provide:
- written information such as prospectuses and newsletters.
- displays by school uniform suppliers.
As the transition process continues and parents and children make their choices, schools hold further open evenings to continue the familiarisation process. Once a child knows which school they will attend, these evenings can be used to introduce them to individual teachers and to other pupils who will be coming to the school in September.
Download Open Evening Planner (Microsoft Word Document)
