The Scottish Government

Listen

This document is also available in pdf format (384k)

Arabic version (358k)
Bengali (370k)
Cantonese (1.8M)
Gaelic (370k)
Hindi (360k)
Punjabi (360k)
Urdu (2.2M)
Polish (350k)

Parents and carers can make a real difference to their child's success. All children have different strengths, skills and interests. No matter what these are, when children have a positive approach towards learning they are more confident in their abilities and more motivated to succeed. Children are learning in new and creative ways in schools, recognising their own talents and developing skills that will help them later on in life. By encouraging your child to have a positive outlook, and to take some responsibility for their own learning, you can help them to be 'enterprising' and to succeed.

What do we mean by being 'enterprising'?

Schools already encourage children to be enterprising through a strategy called 'Determined to Succeed'. It aims to help all young people develop their own strengths and talents and the skills, attitudes and knowledge to become more successful in life. It's about trying new things, working with new ideas, using initiative and having ambitions. 'Success' is much more than about passing exams. It includes lots of other achievements - in things like sport, music and art, in helping in the community, in getting training and getting a first job or running a business.

Success comes from 85% skills and attitudes and 15% knowledge.

Learning in enterprising ways helps young people prepare for life because they focus on:

• learning in a real life situation
• learning how to learn
• developing life skills and values
• encouraging responsibility
• understanding how to manage money and resources
• active learning - 'learning by doing'
• links with businesses where appropriate
• links with the local community
• different opportunities
• a national and international/global outlook
• involving parents and families.

How will my child benefit?

They will develop:

• confidence and self-esteem
• positive values and attitudes
• an ability to work well with others
• more independence and responsibility
• better awareness of self and others
• creative skills
• communication skills
• new ambitions and how to achieve them
• the ability to assess and take reasonable risks
• flexibility and an ability to deal with change
• a better understanding of the world of work and the community.

All of this will help young people's future prospects in the workplace and as responsible citizens and members of the local community.

What can I do to help my child become more enterprising?

Some of the most effective ways are by:

• giving them tasks and responsibilities at home and supporting them to achieve them successfully
• being positive - turning setbacks or mistakes into learning experiences
• asking their opinion and involving them in making decisions
• encouraging them to experience new things - it doesn't always have to cost money
• giving them real help to develop their own ideas, or career plans that are suited to their interests, talents and abilities.

What are schools doing?

Instead of always telling your child what to do and how to do it, teachers often support and encourage them to make their own decisions, come up with ideas and take responsibility for their own learning.

This approach helps your child to develop self-confidence, a 'can-do' attitude and the all-important ability to learn from mistakes.

Some of the things schools arrange might include:

• Learning about 'People who help us', with visits from local people such as a fireman, policeman, vet, etc.
• Parents or grandparents coming into the school to talk about their jobs
• Making and selling articles to raise funds for the school or for a charity
• Projects that contribute to the wider community, such as recycling, caring for the environment and volunteering
• Local surveys of traffic, shops, housing, the jobs people do, etc.
• Work experience opportunities for older children
• International links and experiences
• Out-of-school hours learning and study opportunities.

Could you or your employer or business get involved with the school in some of the activities above?

How can I help my child make career choices?

We know that parents are the most important influence on their child's choice of career. You can help your child by:

• being positive, and encouraging them to find out about the jobs and areas of work that interest them
• focusing on what they are good at and talking to them about their expectations and ambitions
• getting involved by attending school events on choosing a career
• making them aware that all kinds of jobs are open to both girls and boys
• making good use of the information, help and advice available
• going with your child to careers exhibitions and open days at local businesses and companies and at colleges and universities
• encouraging them to gain work experience or do voluntary work.

For more information about how you can help your child choose a career, contact the school or Careers Scotland.

You can find out more information on all of this, or any aspect of Scottish education, on Parentzone. www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk

Useful links and contacts

Parentzone -www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk

Careers Scotland -www.careers-scotland.org.uk

Enterprising Careers -www.strath.ac.uk/enterprisingcareers

Determined to Succeed -www.determinedtosucceed.co.uk

Skill (national bureau for students with disabilities) - www.skill.org.uk

BBC Parents -www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents

Childcare Link -www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Tel: 0800 096 0296

One Parent Families Scotland - www.opfs.org.uk
Tel: 0800 018 5026

Parentscentre -www.parentscentre.gov.uk

ParentLine Scotland - www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
Tel: 0808 800 2222

Parent Network Scotland -www.parentnetworkscotland.org.uk
Tel: 0131 555 6780

Enquire (The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning)
Helpline: 0845 123 23 03
Textphone: 0131 222 2439
www.enquire.org.uk

This leaflet is the eighth in a series which highlights the real difference parents can and do make to their children's learning. Together with the local advice you will have on the arrangements in your child's school, this series will offer information to help you become better involved in your child's education. Other published leaflets are on Homework, Sharing information, Parents' evenings, School holidays, Starting a new school year, Healthy choices, Out of school learning and New technology in learning. The series also includes materials for schools and teachers on these topics.

If you would like to contact us, or suggest topics for future leaflets, please visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk , or telephone 0131 244 0956. This leaflet will be available in community languages and alternative formats from your child's school and the Parentzone website.

This series is prepared in partnership with the Quality in Education Centre (University of Strathclyde) and Children in Scotland.