Independent Study
What is independent study?
Both Year 12 & 13 students are allocated a number of study periods. These lessons should be used constructively for learning: they are not free time.
A fundamental difference between sixth form and GCSE academic expectations is the amount of independent study needed to be completed in order to be successful. Some of this independent work will be structured through homework and prework but students must also ensure they are completing their own independent work. This may include activities such as:
- Re-reading and consolidating material covered in lessons that week
- Making on-going revision notes
- Practicing exam questions
- Reading academic journals, newspapers, books and articles
- Conducting deeper research on particular areas of interest
For example, if there are 4 hours of a subject per week on a students’ timetable, they will be expected to complete 2 hours of independent work in that subject during their study periods.
Those students in Year 12 who understand the importance of effective independent study have benefited greatly in their progress and achievement. Whilst Epping St Johns want students to enjoy their time in the Sixth Form, however, it is important to recognise that choosing to study requires commitment to learning to gain qualifications on or above target.
At the beginning of September, on a date specified on the calendar, all Year 12 students take part in a study skills session, as part of their induction process.