Independent Learning
As with everything across school, it is important that our approach to independent learning aligns with the school values.
Our school value |
Our approach to independent learning |
ExcellenceEveryone in our community will know and experience success. |
We know that good independent study habits at KS4 and KS5 are critical to improving outcomes and there is evidence to support this but we also know that experiencing success is about more than just outcomes and well- designed independent learning can provide opportunities for this. |
The most for those that need the mostWe will meet the needs of all our learners |
One of the greatest challenges with independent learning is to ensure that those learners with additional needs or challenges are supported- as soon as you take learning outside of the classroom and away from the teacher this is harder to achieve. Our approach to independent learning is underpinned by quality first teaching which ensures that students are not expected to do anything outside of lesson which hasn't already been secured, suitably scaffolded and rehearsed. The provision of the Achievement Centre homework club also further supports some of our learners. |
Known and valuedEveryone here will be celebrated for who they are and what they do |
The most critical thing when we set independent learning is that both staff and students value it. For students, they must feel as though their efforts are acknowledged and rewarded and for teachers they must be able to use this to inform their teaching. |
Collective endeavourWe will achieve success together |
Our approach to independent learning recognises the importance of engagement and has responded to student and parental feedback. We acknowledge that there needs to be a common positive language around independent learning and that we will all need to work collectively. |
JoyEveryone will know and create joy |
Our approach to independent learning has at its heart the aim to engage, enthuse and promote joy in learning. Independent learning can be the opportunity for students to really take their learning in different directions and can also be a way to engage parents in students’ learning. |
The Purpose of Independent Learning
The purpose of independent learning changes as a child progresses through their school life. We want our students to enjoy learning and see the value of learning beyond the classroom; we want students to develop a strong and disciplined work ethic and we want to help support students in being able to study independently. Independent learning can help to achieve all of these things, but it has to be carefully designed to ensure that it is both manageable and effective. It is also important that the independent learning tasks set do not cause students, and their families, a great deal of stress and which do not lead to progress in their learning.
The setting of Independent Learning
Some subjects may set independent learning tasks every week, whilst others choose to set it over longer periods of time with more project-based tasks. All work will be set on Class Charts for students and parents to access with clear deadlines for completion. Depending on the demands of the curriculum and age of the student, these demands may fluctuate at different times of the year. There is not a single type of independent learning task set by departments. Tasks can range from retrieval practice, flashcards, tasks extending students’ knowledge, or building on work in class, but these will be consistent within departments and expectations will be clear. Students at GCSE and A Level will also be required to complete coursework outside of school.
Retrieval Strategies
Students are taught explicitly how to best carry out retrieval practice and revision
Knowledge Books
Knowledge books for Year 7-9 can be used to help students with retrieval practice and revision as these identify the core knowledge and vocabulary for each of the topics they study.
Learning Outside the Classroom