What is Achievement & Why is it so Important
What is achievement?
Many young people get formal qualifications at school. However, learning also takes place outside the classroom, at home and in the wider community.
Achievement covers learning in other areas of the life of the school, and in the variety of activities in which children and young people are involved, for example:
- activities undertaken in the life of the school, e.g., Buddying or Eco-Schools
- hobbies and interests, e.g., baking, crafting, horse-riding, playing an instrument, dancing, ice-skating, swimming, outdoor pursuits
- recognised awards or programmes, e.g., The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, John Muir Award or Saltire Award
- volunteering, caring for a relative
- youth groups, e.g. Scouts, Sea Cadets
Why is achievement important?
Through these activities, they develop important skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work that can be of real value to them as they grow up.
“We need to recognise the full range of achievements and help our children and young people understand the skills they have. It is important that they are able to demonstrate and describe these skills to others, and build on these skills. It is important that you encourage your child to let their school know about their achievements beyond the classroom”. (Education Scotland)
How can I support it?
Firstly, you might want to encourage your child to tell teachers about their achievements and activities. You may also wish to discuss the importance of their achievements and help them to identify the wider skills they have learned. Anyone in the wider community is encouraged to inform the school of a child’s achievement(s).
This can be done in a number of ways:
1. Fill out our Celebrating Achievements Form. This will notify key members of staff within the school, responsible for promoting wider achievement. All information submitted this way is collated and used for the annual awards ceremonies.
2. Email oacelebratingachievement@ab-ed.org.
3. Notify your child's Principle Teacher of Pupil Support.
We also recognise achievement through our school website, House points, displays around the school, and our social media, etc.