Independent Study

Independent Learning at Tottington High School

Independent study is an integral part of learning in order for students to achieve the best possible outcomes. Not only is it important for students to get used to working at home so that they are able to prepare for the study skills necessary for their exams, but also it is a key skill required to cope with professional demands in many careers and industries.

Independent learning will always link to the curriculum studied in school with opportunities to consolidate and practise learning. We believe that home study should not place an unnecessary burden on children or parents and carers.

In order to support this, KS3 independent learning will be linked to the key learning objectives in students’ Knowledge Organisers so parents and carers have a clear overview of what is being practised.

At KS4 we expect students to become more independent in readiness for their GCSE exams and beyond. Therefore, they will have a suite of resources for subject-specific independent practice, past papers and revision guides alongside assignments set by their teacher.

All Independent learning tasks will be set on Classcharts/Arbor by students’ class teacher.

Timetable

Subject	Year 7, 8, 9	Year 10, 11
Maths, English and Science	Once per week	Once per week
Geography	Once per fortnight	Once per fortnight
History	Once per fortnight	Once per fortnight
MFL	Once per fortnight	Once per week
Personal Development	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
RE	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
ICT	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
Music	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
Art	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
Drama	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
Technology	Once per half term	Once per fortnight
PE	Once per half term	Once per fortnight

 

 

      

     

 

Independent Study Guide 2024/25

Engagement with Independent Learning

Pupils will be expected to complete independent learning on time and rewarded with green points for this. Independent learning will be monitored by the class teacher in the first instance and pupils who repeatedly fail to complete homework will be asked to complete this during social times or after school and contact with parents will be made.

Repeated failure to engage will lead to Head of Dept, Head of House and Senior Leader involvement.

Homework enables students to:

• consolidate and extend work covered in class or prepare for new learning activities
• access resources not available in the classroom
• develop research skills
• have an opportunity for independent work
• show progress and understanding
• provide feedback in the evaluation of teaching
• to enhance their study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline
• to take ownership and responsibility for learning
• engage parental co-operation and support
• create channels for home school dialogue

Homework can be:

• Independent learning
• Consolidation of work in class
• Practice – learning by doing
• Completion of coursework assignments
• Research
• Reading
• Interviews
• Drawing
• Using ICT
• Recording

The following will take place if a student fails to complete their homework:

Class teacher will issue a ‘Homework not Completed’ when a student has missed a homework deadline in Class Charts. The student will be set a realistic time scale to have the homework completed.

Heads of Department will  monitor departmental ‘Homework not Completed’ issued. Where students are issued ‘Homework not Completed’ repeatedly in their subject area within one half term, parents/carers will be contacted.

Head of House – Class Charts will alert the Head of House when any student receives ‘Homework not Completed’ repeatedly across any subject within one half term. It is expected that a conversation will be held between the Head of House and that parents/carers will be contacted and invited in for a meeting.

Assistant Headteacher – Class Charts will alert the Assistant Headteacher when any student receives ‘Homework not Completed’ consistently across any subject within one half term. It is expected that a conversation will be held between the Assistant Headteacher and that parents/carers will be contacted and invited in for a meeting.

Class Charts Parent Login

You can login to Class Charts via the button below where you can monitor your child’s homework and behaviour points – you will need your parent access code ready to enter.

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