Time is one of the most valuable resources our students have, yet it is also one of the easiest to overlook. Learning to manage time effectively is not just a skill for school: it is a foundation for lifelong success.
When students understand how to plan, prioritise, and use their hours wisely, they create space for deeper learning, reduced stress, and a healthier balance between academics, activities, and personal interests.
Good time management begins with awareness. Students who track how they spend their day quickly see where minutes slip away. From there, simple strategies such as using a planner, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and setting realistic deadlines can make a significant difference. Allocating specific times for homework, revision, and rest helps students avoid last-minute cramming and improves the quality of their work. It also gives them a sense of control, which boosts confidence and motivation.
Parents play an important role in guiding these habits. Encouraging children to create a daily or weekly schedule, helping them set priorities, and modelling good time management at home all reinforce the message that planning matters. Conversations about balancing school responsibilities with hobbies and downtime show that productivity and wellbeing can, and should, coexist.
At school, we support students with study skills sessions, structured homework timetables, and guidance from teachers and tutors. We emphasise that effective time management is not about filling every minute, but about using time intentionally. When students build these habits early, they are better prepared for the increasing demands of higher education and the workplace.
Ultimately, time management empowers students to achieve their goals without sacrificing their wellbeing. By working together - parents, teachers, and students - we can help young people develop this essential skill, giving them the confidence to plan their days, meet deadlines, and still enjoy the activities that make school life fulfilling.
During our recent Parent Academy on E-Safety Safeguarding, Mrs Humphrey introduced the idea of a parent agreement regarding students’ use of social media. The session outlined how BSKL actively keeps students safe online - from our in-school systems and filters to the ways we teach children to make responsible choices. Parents also received practical guidance on encouraging open conversations and promoting positive digital habits.
A key takeaway from the Q&A discussion was the value of a collective, community-wide agreement to limit or delay social media access, especially for younger students. By working together and agreeing to shared boundaries, we can reduce peer pressure, ensure consistency across households, and create a safer digital environment for every child. This shared commitment strengthens the partnership between school and home and reinforces the message that wellbeing and safety come first.
To help shape this initiative, we are inviting all parents (BSKL Secondary Parents only) to complete a short feedback form that will be open for responses until the end of 3rd October (today). Your input will provide insight into current practices and concerns, helping us develop a community agreement that reflects our collective values and supports parents in guiding their children toward safe and balanced online behaviour.
Let’s stand united to give our children the gift of a healthier, more secure digital world.
DR NICOLA BROWN
HEAD OF SECONDARY
