Independent Learning

At BVGA we aim to develop independence, autonomy and a love of learning in all our students. They are expected to take the leading role in their own educational journey and become confident learners, confident communicators, and confident future citizens. We believe that learning is for life, not just for the classroom.  

Confident learners are excited by learning; they want to know more, understand more and be able to do more. Confident learners know that learning extends beyond the classroom, and they take their independent learning seriously.

To support Independent Learning, we use a range of online platforms, including Office 365 SharePoint and Teams. Subject teachers will advise students on the online platforms for their subject alongside a full range of paper-based resources that can be used.

Independent Learning is supported by our Personal Development Curriculum and our BVGA competencies – Aiming High, Independence, Teamwork and Creativity.

One way of demonstrating independence is through independent learning.  Being an independent learner is about taking responsibility for your own learning, being self-motivated and being self-driven.

As our students develop their ability to become more independent, they become more confident learners.  

Here at BVGA we encourage our students to use the C.A.P approach to independent learning.

Independent learning CAP activities support learning in three ways: consolidation of learning, application of learning and preparation for future learning. They help our students to know more, understand more and be able to do more. 

Below is an introduction to the range of activities we use to support our approach to independent learning.

CAP	Why is this important?	Activities
C  Consolidation	You need to consolidate your learning.   Do you remember and understand what you have learnt?	Review Read Recap  Revise  Test
A  Application	You need to be able to apply your learning.  Can you use your learning to successfully complete a task?	Think Discuss  Write Create Design Test  Problem solve
P  Preparation	You need to prepare for future curriculum learning.  Are you ready for the next step in your learning?	Read Research Discover  Investigate  Explore

 

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Organising Independent Learning

• The Canteen, Quad and Sixth Form Study area are open from 7:30am every morning.
• The Hub is open from 7:30am every morning.
• Breakfast Club is open for Nurture students from 8:00am every morning.
• The Independent Learning Room is open from 2:50-3:50pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Masterclasses, lectures and intervention sessions for exam years take place from 2:50-3:50pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays.

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Key Stage 3 

In Key Stage 3, students are set regular independent learning tasks which support them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of each subject. Tasks set include short activities designed to consolidate learning in lessons and longer-term projects, research, reading and investigation. Towards the end of each half-term, students begin to prepare for upcoming tests and assessments.

Students are expected to read at home every day - see the Accelerated Reading page on our website for details

Parents can find out what students are currently studying and how they are assessed in each subject here

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Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 

In Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, we expect students to take even greater responsibility for their own learning. Teachers support this by ensuring all students are aware of the following information:  

• Exam board and specification  
• Course content  
• Key knowledge, skills, vocabulary and reading 
• How students are assessed  
• When students are assessed. 

Independent learning includes tasks designed to consolidate learning in lessons, as well as coursework completion, revision and exam question practice in preparation for assessments and final examinations.  

In Year 11 and Year 13 students are offered a range of extra opportunities to support their independent learning. These include:  

• Study guides and textbooks  
• Online independent learning  
• Exams masterclasses and lectures  
• One-to-one and small group support 
• Independent Learning Study Base and The Hub 

 Parents can find out more about learning in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 here