In a recent conversation with Camilla Carlisle, Education Welfare Officer at The Wisbech Academy, we explored how the school’s character virtues enhance student attendance and engagement.  As our school's lead on safeguarding, attendance, mental health and wellbeing, Camilla explains how we create an environment that supports every student to ‘Thrive With Ambition’…

 

Camilla, how do the school’s character virtues help improve student attendance and engagement?

“Our character virtues - kindness, gratitude, curiosity, integrity, responsibility, resilience, and service - are at the heart of what we do. They create a positive and supportive environment where students feel they belong. When they feel valued, they’re much more motivated to come to school and engage in their learning.”

Can you elaborate on some of these virtues?

“Absolutely! For instance, kindness helps students build strong relationships, which are essential for teamwork. Gratitude improves mental health; it encourages students to appreciate what they have, leading to a more positive outlook on life. Curiosity drives lifelong learning - it’s about being adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Integrity builds trust; when students are honest, they earn respect. Responsibility teaches them to manage their actions and time effectively. Resilience is crucial for bouncing back from setbacks. Finally, service helps them develop empathy and social awareness, which are vital for building strong communities.”

What strategies do you use to encourage regular attendance?

“I believe in a collaborative effort. We work closely with students and families to identify any barriers to attendance. It’s all about bespoke support tailored to individual needs. Building strong relationships between students, staff, and families is key. We also use positive reinforcement - recognising good attendance and behaviour can make a real difference. Creating a positive school culture where everyone feels engaged is essential too.”

How do the "Ready, Respectful, Safe" code and "The Wisbech Academy Way" curriculum support students struggling with attendance?

“The ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ code sets clear expectations for behaviour. It creates a safe and predictable environment where students can thrive. Meanwhile, ‘The Wisbech Academy Way’ curriculum focuses on character development alongside academic achievement. This combination helps students feel secure and supported, encouraging them to attend school regularly.”

How do you combine rewards for good behaviour with support for students who are having trouble with attendance?

“I think it’s important to strike a balance. We use positive reinforcement like Positive Points to acknowledge good attendance and behaviour. At the same time, restorative practices help us address any underlying issues that might be affecting a student’s attendance. This way, we motivate them with positivity while also providing the support they need.”

What role does the "Wisbech Academy Way" curriculum play in supporting students with attendance issues?

“The Wisbech Academy Way is all about character education. It nurtures qualities like resilience and responsibility; life skills that are crucial for overcoming challenges related to attendance. By developing a love of learning and a sense of belonging, we encourage students to come to school regularly.”

How do you engage parents and carers about attendance concerns?

“Engaging parents is vital. We maintain regular communication to keep families informed about their child's attendance and progress. Collaborative problem-solving is key; we work together to identify barriers. Building strong relationships between the school and families creates a supportive network. We also provide resources to help families overcome any challenges related to attendance.”

Supporting Every Student

“Restorative practices focus on understanding the root causes of attendance issues. By involving students, families, and staff in this process, we can repair relationships and build a supportive community around each student. This ensures that they receive the necessary support to overcome challenges sustainably.”

By cultivating qualities like kindness, gratitude, and resilience, we are helping our students succeed in school and prepare for life after school. This way, every child feels valued and ready to learn as they strive to ‘Thrive With Ambition’.