Principles
Independent Learning at Key Stage 3
Independent Learning at Key Stage 4
IL Booklets

Principles

  • Research suggests that the impact of homework on learning is consistently positive and can lead to an average of five months’ additional progress.
  • Research shows that in the most effective examples, homework is integral to the learning, not just an add on.
  • Independent Learning (homework) is most effective when it involves practice or rehearsal of subject matter already taught. Scholars should typically not be exposed to new material to learn at home, unless they are deemed as ‘expert learners’.
  • Complex or open-ended homework is often completed least effectively; short frequent homework which is monitored closely by teachers is likely to have a bigger impact.
  • A recent study examining the correlation between time spent on homework and academic achievement showed that homework completed by the scholar independently for 60-70 minutes a day had the biggest impact (Institute for Effective Education, 2015).

The AGFS approach to great independent learning and revision

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What does great independent studying look like?

  1. Master golden nuggets

Scholars will re-learn, revise and be tested on the golden nuggets at the start of each term. These are the most important pieces of knowledge they have already learnt in previous terms and years at AGFS.

  1. Use self-quizzing to master core knowledge.

Scholars are encouraged to give themselves frequent opportunities, alongside their independent learning, to practise recalling the core knowledge - this knowledge must be automatic to make rapid progress.

  1. Joining the dots of the core knowledge in scholarship lessons.

Scholars will use the core knowledge they have mastered in scholarship lessons. Teachers help scholars to join the dots so they can begin to understand how the knowledge fits together.

  1. Building on the core knowledge in scholarship lessons to create foundational knowledge.

Scholarship lessons will include additional knowledge, based around the core, to help scholars build a foundation of knowledge. Once this is in place, additional independent learning scholars complete will be easier.

  1. Applying the knowledge in growth lessons

During growth lessons, scholars will take the core and additional knowledge and begin to apply it to subject specific skills.

  1. Independent stretch and extension

Using the guidance under each subject, scholar’s knowledge can be extended independently through additional reading, watching documentaries, visiting historical sites or places related to your subjects. The below platforms are shared with scholars:

○   https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in : careers

○   www.thisisschool.com: French and Spanish

○   www.digitaltheatreplus.com: access to live theatre

○   https://www.newscientist.com/: news and developments in science

○   https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection: British museum online collection [history, geography and RS].

  1. Online platforms

Use online platforms and revision guides are shared to support scholars to know how this core knowledge fits into a bigger picture. Scholars will receive rewards via assemblies to celebrate how frequently they use these platforms.

○   https://www.sparxmaths.uk/ : KS3 & KS4 maths

○   www.senecalearning.com: English, history, geography, religious studies, music, KS3 science

○   www.my-gcsescience.com: KS4 biology, physics, chemistry

○   https://uk.language-gym.com: French and Spanish

○   https://mbop.dev/auth/sign-in : computer science

  1. Read widely for pleasure.

Scholars are encouraged to read often and widely. Through celebrating world book day, the use of Sparxs Reader and the library.    

Independent Learning at Key Stage 3

  1. All subjects will issue scholars with the core knowledge required to be successful in a term’s programme of study to quiz via their core knowledge booklet. This will be broken down into ‘blocks’ so that scholars can master each block before moving on.
  2. In Mathematics, scholars will be required to quiz core knowledge, as well as completing consolidation activities via Sparxs Maths
  3. In English, scholars will be required to quiz core knowledge, as well as completing consolidation activities via Sparxs Reader.
  4. To demonstrate their understanding of the core knowledge, scholars will ‘self quiz’ the core knowledge each week using their independent learning exercise book.
  5. Scholars will be given at least 5 days to complete these tasks before the responses are reviewed and checked.
  6. Scholars are required to read independently for pleasure for a minimum of 90-minutes each week.

 

 

To support scholars to manage their time and develop effective independent study skills, scholars are encouraged to follow the below schedule:

 

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Independent Learning at Key Stage 4

  1. Independent learning will follow the same format as in Key Stage 3, but 2 x 40-min written/ preparatory tasks will also be set in addition to core knowledge for each subject. The purpose of this is to give scholars frequent opportunities to independently apply their knowledge in context. As scholars progress through their courses, these additional written tasks will increasingly be replaced by examination questions to complete. 
  2. To help scholars develop good routines, there is a standardised timetable that all scholars should follow from the beginning of Key Stage 4. This sets out the minimum expectations for work and builds in time for breaks and rest.
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Instructions, links and additional resources will be shared via Show My Homework and written into scholars’ planners. Scholars are encouraged to make use of Computer Science 2 after school each day to complete independent learning.

 

Research underpinning the AGFS approach to independent learning

 

IL Booklets Autumn 2024

Winter IL booklets