Independent Study

Studying effectively at home and at school

 

Independent Study for Year 7, 8 and 9

Regular study tasks are set for all students to support the work completed in lessons and to promote independent learning.  Independent Study Tasks (ISTs) are set weekly in English, languages, maths and science and fortnightly in other subjects.   There may also be preparation to do in advance of specific DT lessons including preparation of ingredients. Students are expected to actively revise prior to tests and assessments.  In addition, students should be spending at least 30 minutes per week on reading.   

Dates and deadlines

It is up to the individual teacher of each class to decide what day of the week to set independent study.  This flexibility enables independent study to be meaningful and clearly linked to learning going on in the classroom. 

Subjects will follow the schedule below in year 7, 8 and 9 to ensure that each student’s working weeks are as balanced as possible.

Week 1 - English, maths, science, art, design technology, French, drama, history

Week 2 - English, maths, science, geography, religious studies, Spanish, music, French

The deadline for completion of independent study will be approximately 1 week after it has been set and should never be expected for the next day.     

 

Independent Study for Year 10 and 11

In every two-week cycle of the timetable, a Year 10/11 Maidenhill student should receive 2 Independent Study Tasks per fortnight for each subject (1 for religious studies).

In addition, there may be other short preparation tasks in advance of specific practical subjects. Students will also be required to complete revision in preparation for tests and assessments.  Longer tasks may be set over 2 or more sessions for larger pieces of work.   

Regular, ACTIVE revision of all work covered is expected.  

It is up to the individual teacher of each class to decide what day of the week to set independent study.  This flexibility enables independent study to be meaningful and clearly linked to learning going in the classroom. 

Overall, students in Key Stage 4 should spend a minimum of 1 ½ hours engaged in learning activities away from the classroom, although this figure is likely to increase significantly during exam or assessment periods.

All independent study tasks should be noted in the students’ planner and parents are asked to sign the planner every week. Each task will also appear on 'Satchel: One' (previously 'Show my Homework'),  which can be easily viewed by parents and students through the school website. 

Students are able to use school and its facilities after school to complete their independent study tasks and are encouraged to do so.  The Independent Study Zone is open to all students and takes place in CS2 Monday-Wednesday from 3-4pm.  Students with additional needs are also invited to attend Study Support where support is provided by Learning Support Assistants.  

 

 

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 More information for parents is available in the guide below.

 

Name Date
Year 11 Independent Study Timetable 2023-24 18th September 2023 Download >
Year 10 Independent Study Timetable 2023-24 18th September 2023 Download >
KS4 Independent Study Letter 18th September 2023 Download >
Year 9 Independent Study Letter 18th September 2023 Download >
Year 8 Independent Study Letter 18th September 2023 Download >
Year 7 Independent Study Letter 18th September 2023 Download >
Family Guide to Remote Learning 16th December 2021 Download >
HegartyMaths Student Starter Guide 8th December 2021 Download >
HegartyMaths Parent Presentation 8th December 2021 Download >
A guide to log into SatchelOne. 8th December 2021 Download >
Seneca help sheet 8th December 2021 Download >
GCSE pod how to computer 8th December 2021 Download >
GCSEPod iOS App 8th December 2021 Download >
Parent Guide to Independent Study 2nd October 2017 Download >