Independent Study
At Harper Green School, we provide regular and meaningful opportunities for students to continue their learning at home. Independent Study is designed to help students secure key knowledge, develop effective study habits and broaden their understanding of the topics covered in class.
Our approach to Independent Study has two key strands at Key Stage 3 and an additional focus on exam preparation at Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 3:
- Knowledge retrieval
- Academic Reading
Key Stage 4:
- Knowledge retrieval
- Exam practice
Year 11 Independent Study Planner →
What is Academic Reading?
At Harper Green School, we recognise that confident, fluent reading is essential for students to access the curriculum, develop their vocabulary and broaden their knowledge.
Each half term, Key Stage 3 students are provided with a booklet containing a selection of non-fiction articles and accompanying comprehension questions. The articles complement topics studied in lessons while also introducing students to additional knowledge and ideas that extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Regular exposure to non-fiction also helps students develop the reading skills they will need across the curriculum as they progress through Key Stage 3 and into Key Stage 4.
Academic Reading Booklets
Year 7 HT6Year 8 HT6Year 9 HT6What are Knowledge Organisers?
Knowledge Organisers bring together the key facts, vocabulary and information students need to know and remember for a particular unit or topic.
Students are given sections of their Knowledge Organisers to learn as part of their Independent Study and are regularly given opportunities to retrieve and apply this knowledge in class.
Students receive a folder in which to keep their Knowledge Organisers, and electronic copies are also made available on the school website.
Why do we use Knowledge Organisers?
As students progress through school, they are expected to remember and apply an increasing amount of knowledge. Research into learning and memory shows that regularly retrieving and revisiting information over time is more effective than trying to learn large amounts in one sitting.
Our Independent Study approach therefore encourages students to revisit key knowledge regularly, helping them to retain information for longer and build strong learning habits.
Rather than simply rereading or highlighting information, students are encouraged to actively retrieve knowledge, for example through self-quizzing and other recall activities. We also teach students about how memory works and provide strategies to help them become more confident and independent learners.
Independent Study will usually reinforce current classroom learning but may also revisit knowledge from earlier topics to strengthen students' long-term understanding.
At Key Stage 4, students are also given exam practice to help them apply their knowledge effectively and develop the skills required to approach examination questions with confidence.
How will a Knowledge Organiser help me to help my child?
We know that parents and carers often want to support learning at home but may not always feel confident with the subject-specific content their child is studying.
Knowledge Organisers make this easier by clearly setting out the key information students need to know. Parents, carers and family members can use them to ask questions, quiz students and encourage regular retrieval practice at home.
For more information about memory and practical ways you can support your child with Independent Study, please watch the video below.
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