Independent LearningResearch in the last decade has begun to focus on the relationship between independent learning and student achievement and has shown a clear resulting improvement, particularly for students at secondary school. At Tallis we believe that independent learning assignments form a vital part of students' learning experiences, helping to embed knowledge and skills acquired in class and providing young people with an opportunity to develop a range of crucial learning habits including independent thinking, creativity, resilience and initiative.
Why is independent learning important?
How can you help? Your child will need to work more independently at secondary school than at primary school, but your interest and input will still be important and will help your child to do well.
Key Stage 3 Independent Learning Expectations There are published timetables which have been drawn up to allocate KS3 home learning across all subjects, based on a careful timing for each subject. There is a suggested duration of around 30 minutes per independent learning task set in Year 7 and Year 8. Key Stage 4 Independent Learning Expectations It is expected that KS4 students should have between 60 and 90 minutes of independent learning per subject per week. Staff have agreed with students they teach in Years 9, 10 and 11 when independent learning will be set and asked them to record this carefully in their school planner. Key Stage 5 Independent Learning Expectations It is expected that for every hour of lesson time, students in the post-16 centre will do one hour of independent study as home learning. Staff will set independent learning that amounts to this quantity and students should note down clearly what is expected in their planners. Other ways you can help with reading and mathematics Your child’s literacy and numeracy skills are critical to their long-term development; the importance of daily, personalised practice of reading and mathematics cannot be overstated. Recent studies indicate that when students spend 25 minutes a day reading suitably challenging books, then they will achieve optimal reading age growth. You may not be reading with your child as you did at primary school but you can still support good reading habits. Talk to your child about the books you're both reading. Ask what books your child would like for birthday and Christmas presents. Go to the library together - if your child is stuck for a new author, ask the librarian for guidance or look online at book reviews. You could also take a look at our reading recommendations. Similarly, students make most progress in maths when they practise little and often. In addition to the work they will be set by their class teacher, all children in years 7 to 11 will receive a login to an online textbook, packed full of practice questions, that will complement their learning in class. Login details for this will be published soon. Sanctions Given the importance of independent learning to your child’s education, it is necessary for it to be enforced. If your child fails to complete the independent learning set then they will be sanctioned according to our procedures and you will be contacted. Persistent failure to engage with home learning will lead to a detention with members of the Senior Leadership Team on Friday afternoons. 
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Independent Learning 2018-19
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KS3:
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KS4:
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English
Maths Science Geography History French/Spanish Design Technology RE Computer Science Arts |
4
4 4 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 |
English
Maths Science Option C, D, E, F |
4
4 4 2 |
In Year 7 and 8, independent learning will often consist of an Extended Enquiry for each term. Their independent learning over the course of a number of weeks will contribute to this – with a clear deadline for the completion of the enquiry.
| Independent Learning timetables 2018-19 |
| How to deal with failure to produce independent learning |