Miss school, miss out
Every day of education and indeed every lesson matters. In the National Curriculum where there is built in progression, children who are persistently late or absent soon get behind with learning and then do not understand current lessons when they return.
The introduction to a lesson and to the school day is crucial to the child’s understanding of their own learning. Children who miss school frequently will undoubtedly have gaps in their learning which will impede their progress and future ability to engage in lessons. This in turn has a knock on effect for their ability to concentrate and for their behaviour.
Frequent absence has a profound and cumulative effect on achievement.
Portsmouth City Council run their Miss School, Miss out campaign where you can find our more information on how absence and punctuality can affect a childs education. You can also find out information relating to absence through illness, fixed penalty notices and top tips to prevent absence.
Reporting absence
To report your child's absence please phone the school office in the morning and speak with our attendance officer, Mrs Prior.
You can also download the Studybugs app where you can report your child's absence too! If you need any assistance with this, please speak with a member of staff in the main office.
Attendance officer
Mrs M Prior
Attendance matters!
At Ark Dickens school attendance is of paramount importance for several reasons, as it directly influences a student's academic success, personal development, and future opportunities. Here are key reasons highlighting the significance of regular school attendance:
- Academic Achievement: Regular attendance is a strong predictor of academic success. Consistent attendance allows students to engage with lessons, participate in class discussions, and receive timely feedback from teachers. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding, making it challenging for students to keep up with the curriculum.
- Social and Emotional Development: School provides a crucial environment for social interaction and emotional development. Regular attendance allows students to build relationships with peers and teachers, fostering a sense of belonging and community. These social connections contribute to emotional well-being and help develop important social skills.
- Preparation for the Future: Regular attendance instills discipline and responsibility, essential qualities for success in later stages of life, including college and the workforce. Employers often value punctuality and reliability, qualities that are cultivated through consistent attendance during school years.
- Access to Learning Opportunities: Classroom instruction is a primary source of learning. Regular attendance ensures that students have access to valuable learning opportunities, including hands-on activities, group projects, and discussions. These experiences contribute significantly to a well-rounded education.
- Establishing Good Habits: Regular attendance helps students develop positive habits and a strong work ethic. Being present in school teaches responsibility, time management, and the importance of meeting commitments—skills that are valuable throughout life.
- Legal and Parental Obligations: In many places, there are legal requirements mandating school attendance up to a certain age. Parents and guardians have a legal responsibility to ensure their children attend school regularly. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to legal consequences.
- Monitoring Student Well-being: Regular attendance allows teachers and school staff to monitor the well-being of students. Changes in attendance patterns may be an early indicator of potential issues such as health concerns, bullying, or other challenges that may require intervention and support.
100% attendance in Asterix Class!
Congratulations to Asterix Class for achieving 100% attendance last week! Well done to all the students for their efforts in showing up regularly, engaging in their studies, and contributing to a positive and thriving learning environment. Keep up the excellent work, and may this achievement inspire continued enthusiasm for learning throughout the school year!