Young Scot research has revealed the key priorities for learning confirmed by young people with over two thirds of pupils identifying good sleep, supportive teachers and the right attitude as crucial.
The survey, devised to help improve outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty, identified what pupils considered essential to be ready to learn and the barriers they face, including access to resources, feeling valued and disruptive classrooms.
Respondents, aged 11-25, selected good sleep (64%), the right attitude (63%) and supportive teachers (61%) as the top components of what they need to be ready to learn. Disruptive behaviour, motivation and mental health were identified as the main barriers to learning.
This report will contribute to work to tackle the Scottish Attainment Challenge and help to inform education providers and other providers on how young people can best be supported to engage in education.
Young Scot has supported a diverse group of young people (YSEquity Panel) to ensure equitable space for conversation between young people and decision makers, to influence the Scottish Attainment Challenge programme on key areas including factors that can contribute towards a readiness to learn. The work of the panel contributed to the development and delivery of the What I Need to Learn survey.