School Absence: The Silently Disengaged
The headlines are constant. There is a problem with school attendance.
The Cause? Lockdowns during the Covid pandemic [1].
The Consequences? A growing set of challenges for learners that already face significant disadvantages [2].
The Solution? Pizza and an iPad [3]!
The intention here is not to be flippant. There are some important findings from the data reflected in the stories above, but isn’t there something missing from these stories? Does this challenge we face in relation to attendance not reflect a bigger crisis - that of learner disengagement.
Absenteeism isn't just about missing lessons; it's a symptom of a deeper disconnect.
It requires us to ask difficult questions about how children view the point and purpose of school and whether it signals a lack of value, voice, and vision in their own learning journey.
📣 We are calling for a broader conversation 📣
We need to explore what learning truly means to individuals and communities. Our Learn2030 programme is designed to do just that. Together, we will re-ignite the passion for learning and empower everyone to navigate the complexities of our changing world.
Join us as we tackle the tough questions and work towards a future where every learner feels connected, engaged, and empowered!
[Article references]
1. How Covid changed children in Britain from The Guardian
2. Unauthorised school absence widening ‘disadvantage gap’ in England from The Guardian
3. Voices from the Classroom - Understanding how secondary schools support pupils returning from absence from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
