Independent Study

What is Independent Study?

Independent study is learning, that is set to be done outside the timetabled curriculum and is not usually directly supervised by a teacher. Independent study enhances student learning, improves achievement and develops students' study skills and as such is an integral part of the curriculum. 

Research shows that independent study has a positive impact on student progress. At MEA we believe independent study is an essential part of learning and expect all our students to engage with it in a positive way.

Aims of Independent Study

Independent study enables students to:

• Embed crucial knowledge in to their long term memory.
• Build a greater knowledge base to which new learning can be anchored.
• Take ownership and responsibility for their learning. 
• Enhance their study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline. 

Independent Study Timetable

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 should spend approximately 1 hour each evening completing Independent Study. This increases to 2 hours per evening for students in Years 10 and 11.

Please see below for recommended quantity and frequency of independent learning in Year 7:

 

Knowledge Organisers

To support students with their learning they are provided with a Knowledge Organiser each term, containing the key information they must learn for each subject. Independent Study is set regularly and is based on the content of the Knowledge Organisers. Independent Study is set on MS Teams and recorded on Class Charts for students. This must be completed on time and to a high standard. Completion of Independent Study is included on Student Reviews, which are sent out termly, after each Big Test.

To download a copy of the the Autumn Term Knowledge Organiser click here:

Year 7 Autumn Term '21 Knowledge Organiser

How can parents and carers help with Independent Study?

Parents and carers can support students by viewing independent study as an important part of their learning, by discussing Independent Study with them and encouraging them to be organised in completing it. Providing a quiet area at home for students to study in is also very helpful.

The academy uses an online system called Class Charts which allows parents and carers to keep track of your child’s assigned homework tasks. 

You can access the Class Charts parent website at: https://www.classcharts.com/parent/login 

For guidance on how to access MS Teams, please click here.