At Desborough College, we see independent learning as an important part of our ambition for excellent achievement. Our approach is evolving as we develop a richer and more varied programme of learning that students can undertake independently in the library, sixth form study centre, or at home. Activities may include field research, presentations, reading and comprehension, listening to podcasts, watching and summarising videos, completing activities on online learning platforms, as well as specific subject tasks. We want independent learning to extend and deepen classroom learning while helping students develop the confidence, curiosity and habits needed to become successful lifelong learners.
Our approach is flexible and recognises that students have busy lives beyond school, including music, sport and other commitments. Rather than expecting students to complete a fixed amount of work for a particular subject on a specific evening, we are in the process of designing a weekly overview of their independent learning diet, allowing them to plan when and where they complete different activities. Students will be expected to engage with independent learning throughout the week, as regular practise supports effective learning and retention, but we want them to develop the ability to organise their time and make a plan that works for them. With support from tutors, teachers and families, students will develop these important skills of planning, prioritising and taking responsibility for their own learning.
Learning will be assessed in a variety of ways, including online platforms, knowledge tests, timed questions, class discussion, peer assessment and the review of selected work. Teachers will not necessarily mark every task individually; instead, these approaches allow them to check understanding, identify misconceptions and use what they learn to inform future teaching. Through this varied approach, we aim to make independent learning purposeful, engaging and manageable, while developing the independence, organisation and resilience that will support excellent achievement at Desborough and beyond.
Our approach is flexible and recognises that students have busy lives beyond school, including music, sport and other commitments. Rather than expecting students to complete a fixed amount of work for a particular subject on a specific evening, we are in the process of designing a weekly overview of their independent learning diet, allowing them to plan when and where they complete different activities. Students will be expected to engage with independent learning throughout the week, as regular practise supports effective learning and retention, but we want them to develop the ability to organise their time and make a plan that works for them. With support from tutors, teachers and families, students will develop these important skills of planning, prioritising and taking responsibility for their own learning.
Learning will be assessed in a variety of ways, including online platforms, knowledge tests, timed questions, class discussion, peer assessment and the review of selected work. Teachers will not necessarily mark every task individually; instead, these approaches allow them to check understanding, identify misconceptions and use what they learn to inform future teaching. Through this varied approach, we aim to make independent learning purposeful, engaging and manageable, while developing the independence, organisation and resilience that will support excellent achievement at Desborough and beyond.
