Independent study skills have become increasingly important as A level and other Level 3 specifications have changed. Students will not achieve their potential if they do not put in the work outside of the lesson. Assessment frequently asks students to apply their subject knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and it is difficult, if not impossible, to do this if you have not taken the time to extend your understanding independently.

Sixth Form students spend only a limited amount of time in lessons:

    - 5/7 days in every week

•     - 4/24 hours in every day

This leaves 92% of time outside of teacher contact time and how you use it makes a BIG difference.

Experience tells us that the students who achieve their potential and who gain the highest marks are those who take the greatest responsibility for their own progress. This independence of approach is an area that all students should strive to improve, building on strategies that they have started to develop for GCSE. At KS5, there is greater expectation that students develop independent skills and knowledge to underpin those learnt in class.

Within our 'THINK and GROW rich' programme, we have created sessions which are especially dedicated to independent study. These sessions serve to support and aid students to both develop and asses their ability to learn independently.

Three top activities our students use to enhance their learning are:

• Flashcards
• Wider podcasting
• Wider Youtubing