Exploring why school no longer feels essential for everyone—and how educators can reignite that engagement, meaning and make it impossible to miss again.
Making School Unmissable explores a pressing challenge in modern education: too many students, parents and even staff no longer see school as compelling or even interesting. Despite the transformative power of education, rising absenteeism, disengaged students and families and a stressed workforce reveal a disconnect that threatens learning, development and community. Drawing on research, case studies and real-world insights, this book examines why school can too often feel ‘missable’—and how that perception can be reversed.
The authors introduce a framework built around five essential senses: Purpose, Belonging, Success, Empowerment and Adventure. These senses provide the foundation for an education that is engaging, inclusive and meaningful—not only preparing learners for the future but making school fulfilling in the present. Through practical strategies, exercises and thought-provoking questions, educators are invited to reflect on their own settings and explore how to foster these senses for students, staff and families alike.
From school leaders to classroom teachers, this book offers a flexible approach to developing a culture where school is not just compulsory, but compelling. Optimistic and actionable, it equips educators with the tools and mindset to make every school day count, ensuring that learning is experienced as vibrant, relevant and unmissable.
A must-read for teachers and school leaders – in any setting.
ISBN 13: 9781785837944
Author: Rachel Macfarlane| Paul Jenkins
