Low attainment and achievement can impact attendance, creating a cycle where low academic performance leads to absenteeism which in turn exacerbates academic struggles. H
Impacts of Low Attainment and Achievement on Attendance
Decreased Motivation and Engagement
Children and young people who struggle academically often find school less engaging, leading to a lack of interest and motivation to attend. Consistent low academic performance and achievement may foster a sense of failure and hopelessness, discouraging children and young people from attending school.
Increased Anxiety and Stress
Children and young people with low attainment and achievement may fear judgment or embarrassment from teachers and peers, leading to school avoidance. Anxiety related to assessments and evaluations may also cause children and young people to miss school on test days or during periods of high academic pressure.
Social Emotional & Behavioural Issues
Frustration with academic challenges can result in disruptive behaviour, leading to exclusions and other disciplinary actions that reduce attendance. Some children and young people may choose to miss school to avoid the stress and pressure of academic expectations.
Peer Relationships
Low-achieving students may feel socially isolated or be excluded by peers, making school a less inviting environment.
Struggling students can become targets of bullying, which can further discouraging regular attendance.
Parental Influence
Parents and carers of low-achieving children and young people may also feel disillusioned or unable to support their child’s education, leading to lower prioritisation of regular attendance. If parents convey negative attitudes towards school due to their own experiences or their child’s struggles, it can impact the child’s willingness to attend.
Strategies to Address Low Attainment and Improve Attendance
Personalised Learning and Support
Tailoring learning and teaching to meet the diverse learning needs of children and young people can help engage those with low attainment.
Providing additional academic support through tutoring and remediation programs can help struggling children and young people catch up.
Autism and inclusive practice | Supporting neurodiversity | Resources | Education Scotland
Positive Reinforcement and Recognition
Recognising and celebrating small achievements can boost children and young peoples’ confidence and motivation to attend school.
Furthermore, implementing attendance incentive programs that reward regular attendance and academic improvement can encourage children and young engaged.
Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationships
Establishing mentoring relationships between teachers and pupils can provide the support and encouragement needed to improve both attendance and attainment.
Teachers who show empathy and understanding towards children and young peoples’ struggles can create a more supportive and motivating classroom environment.
Parental Engagement
Maintaining regular and positive communication with parents/carers about their child’s progress can foster a collaborative effort to improve attendance and achievement.
Offering workshops and resources to help parents/carers support their children’s learning at home can positively impact both attendance and attainment.
Interventions and Support Services
Identifying students at risk of low attainment early allows for timely interventions that can prevent absenteeism.
Providing access to school counsellors can help address underlying issues related to low attainment and absenteeism, such as anxiety or family problems.
Mental Health Support in Schools – Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)
Engaging Curriculum and Extracurricular Activities
Designing a curriculum that is relevant to students’ lives and future aspirations can increase engagement and motivation.
Curriculum Design Toolkit | Resources | National Improvement Hub (education.gov.scot)
Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities can help students build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
