Independent Study Guidance

Independent Study helps students to:

• Practise and apply what they have learned in lessons.
• Strengthen their memory through regular retrieval of prior learning
• Develop confidence in applying knowledge to new situations
• Build effective study habits and time-management skills
• Take greater responsibility for their own learning and progress
• Prepare successfully for assessments and examinations

Key Stage 3

Students will receive weekly Independent Study in:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography (alternating weeks)
• Modern Foreign Languages (alternating weeks)

Most KS3 tasks will be set through online platforms such as Sparx, Seneca and LanguageNut, allowing students to review and practise key learning regularly.

Key Stage 4

Students will receive weekly Independent Study in all subjects. Tasks may include online learning, examination preparation activities, extended practice tasks, or project-based assignments where appropriate.

All Independent Study tasks will be recorded on Arbor, where both students and parents can view upcoming deadlines and completed work. Arbor will also send reminder notifications 24 hours before work is due.

We are committed to ensuring every student can successfully complete their Independent Study. To support this, we will provide:

• Lunchtime and after-school Independent Study support.
• Access to the library and other quiet working spaces.
• Chromebook loans for students who do not have appropriate access to technology at home.
• Teacher feedback to address misconceptions and support learning.

We expect all students to complete their Independent Study to the best of their ability and submit it by the stated deadline. Students who complete Independent Study regularly will be recognised through our rewards system and House Points.

Where Independent Study is not completed, students may be required to attend a detention to complete the missing work. If concerns arise regarding repeated non-completion, parents and carers will be contacted so that we can work together to support the student.

We know that parental support is one of the most important factors in a child's success at school. Simple actions such as encouraging your child to establish a regular study routine, checking Arbor, and discussing their learning can make a significant difference.

Thank you in advance for your continued support as we launch this important initiative. By working together, we can help every student develop the knowledge, resilience and independent learning skills needed to achieve their very best and aspire towards the broadest possibilities in life.