Your child’s school has just integrated with the Athena Tracker, Ireland’s leading academic tracking software. As a parent, it’s perfectly normal for you to have questions, reservations or feelings of uncertainty.
In this guide, we want to alleviate those concerns and reassure you that integrating with The Athena Tracker is a hugely positive move for your child’s development and will lead to better care and attention, and a more personalised approach to their education.
Below, we share some introductory videos about the software and you’ll also hear from parents and teachers who’ve benefited from it in the past. We will also provide answers to the most frequently asked questions that parents have about the tracker, starting with the most obvious.
What is the Athena Tracker?
The Athena Tracker is a data-driven tool used by schools to track and support student progress. The software helps teachers identify strengths, address areas for improvement and ensures that each student is given the opportunity to reach their own individual potential.
Using machine learning technology, the Athena Tracker analyses each student’s past results, academic performance and various other data. The software then pinpoints a student’s baseline potential for each subject. Teachers are then alerted when a pupil falls below their potential and may require additional support. The software also highlights when a student is performing above their potential, even if not achieving top grades.
Schools use the Athena Tracker to gain deeper insights into each student’s academic journey. This enables more tailored teaching strategies and helps identify students who might require assistance. At the opposite end, the software also highlights when a student may need greater challenges that will bring the very most out of them.
Why the focus on unique potential?
Every student is different and develops at their own pace. But the way that students are traditionally assessed and monitored doesn’t account for this individuality. With the Athena Tracker we are changing the way a student’s talents are nurtured. Not everyone can be top of their class but every student can better themselves each and every day.
By shifting the focus to individual potential, schools are able to shine a light on all students individually, especially those in the forgotten middle. With this approach, schools can:
- Quickly get to know their students from an academic perspective.
- Provide next-level care and attention to all students.
- Motivate students to work harder and fulfil their potential.
- Spot when students are just coasting along, even the top performers.
- Identify what CAO points a student is on track to achieve.
- Update parents with clear, objective and data-driven feedback.
Is the Athena Tracker used by other schools?
Yes, the Athena Tracker is used by just under 300 secondary schools in Ireland, with over 400 secondary schools using at least one of the Athena Analytics range of products.
There are approximately 728 secondary schools in Ireland. Such is the success of the Athena Tracker that we are currently expanding into the UK.
What information does the Athena Tracker collect about my child?
The Athena Tracker uses assessment results and aptitude test scores; data already collected by the school. No additional personal or sensitive information is required beyond what schools typically record.
On top of this, Athena Analytics adheres to strict data protection standards, including GDPR compliance. All data is securely stored and accessible only to authorised school staff.
How does the Athena Tracker benefit my child?
By tracking performance and identifying trends, the Athena Tracker ensures that no student falls through the cracks. Teachers can offer timely interventions and provide the support or challenges needed for your child’s growth.
Does the tracker affect how teachers teach?
The Athena Tracker complements teaching by giving teachers better insight into their students. It doesn’t replace teaching methods but empowers educators to make more informed decisions.
Does the Athena Tracker help with exams or future opportunities?
Yes, the tracker helps schools identify trends and prepare students for exams by addressing learning gaps early. This proactive approach can lead to better academic outcomes and greater confidence in exams.
Can parents access the Athena Tracker?
While the tracker is designed primarily for teachers and school administrators, your child’s progress reports may be shared with you through parent-teacher meetings or other communication from the school.
At Athena Analytics, we also recommend a whole school to academic tracking and monitoring that incorporates students, teachers, school management, and parents. You can learn more about this approach here.
What is the Student/Learner Log-in?
The Student/Learner Log-in is a feature within the Athena Tracker that allows students to directly access their Athena Tracker profile. This functionality empowers students to take an active role in their education by providing them with personalised insights. Students can set their own targets and have ownership over their own academic journey.
What is Athena FitnessMark?
Athena Analytics provides a range of academic tracking solutions to secondary schools in Ireland, one of which is Athena FitnessMark. You can learn more about it here.
The Athena FitnessMark is an intelligent fitness tracking platform that is designed specifically for students. FitnessMark allows schools to record, monitor and support the physical wellbeing of every student, while unlocking next-level insight.
With FitnessMark, schools record the results of a battery of 11 fitness tests which are based on guidelines from the Department of Education. These tests include an agility test, a balance test, a standing long jump, and other assessments that provide a holistic view of a student’s physical wellbeing. The software generates a fitness profile for each student, which is tracked for throughout their time at school. PE teachers monitor a student’s progress, highlighting strengths and identifying areas of improvement. FitnessMark allows schools to educate students on the different areas of fitness, providing them with the tools they need to live an active and healthy life.
Will the tracker label or categorise my child?
No, the Athena Tracker is a tool for understanding and supporting your child’s unique potential. It helps schools create personalised strategies without categorising or limiting students.
How can I use information from the Athena Tracker to support my child?
Teachers may share progress updates or insights during parent meetings. These reports can help you understand your child’s strengths and areas where you can support them at home.
What should I do if I have questions about my child’s progress?
Contact your child’s teacher or school directly. They can explain how they use the Athena Tracker and provide more details about your child’s performance.
