INDEPENDENT LEARNING ASSIGNMENTS
Independent Learning at Stretford High School is an integral part of the curriculum which contributes to achieving good or better progress alongside high levels of engagement for all our students. We believe that independent Learning supports the development of skills and excellent habits which will enhance learning while at school and prepare students very well for future work and life.
Independent learning assignments (previously known as home learning) will be set on google classroom.
Independent learning assignment themes
All Independent learning assignments (ILA’s) will be framed around one of the following 4 themes:
- Preparation for Learning. Purpose: to prepare for the next lesson
- Application of Learning. Purpose: to use the learning in a different context
- Enrichment of Learning. Purpose: Focusing on depth, breadth or engagement
- Consolidation of Learning. Purpose: making sense of previous learning
This is so that students know the purpose of the task – Research shows that students do better on tasks when they understand why they are doing it.
Why are ILA’s important?
At Stretford High School, we believe that independent learning is a vital part of our students’ learning journey. Independent learning allows students to prepare for, consolidate, apply or enrich their learning. In addition, it plays a crucial role in supporting students on their journey to independence and the ability to self-regulate their own learning, We are growing metacognitive learners.
This view is informed by research:
- The education endowment foundation found that independent learning assignments leads to an average of 5 months’ additional progress for secondary school students.
- Independent learning has a greater impact on secondary students.
- The education endowment foundation found that independent learning is more effective when students know its purpose (see below for how we have implemented this).
- Research shows that our brains have a ‘forgetting curve’. This means that we quickly forget new learning if it is not revisited. Independent learning assignments are an excellent opportunity for students to re-visit knowledge ensuring that this knowledge is retained.
All independent learning assignments are set using google classroom. Students log in using their school Gmail account. Students should then click on the ‘to do’ list button to view their assignments. Alternatively, they can click on the calendar button and see their assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check what ILA’s my child has?
- Sit with your child and ask them to show you their ‘to do’ list on google classroom.
- Sign up for guardian reports on google classroom. Invites have been sent via email to Parents/Carers. Click on the accept button and you will receive weekly summaries
How often will my child be set ILA’s?
| Year Group | At least once per week | Once per week | Project – Every half term | Time to be allocated for each subject |
| 7 | English, Maths and Science | Languages, RE. History, Geograpy & PE | PEXA, EE, DT, Computing | 30 minutes |
| 8 | English, Maths and Science | Languages, RE. History, Geograpy & PE | PEXA, EE, DT, Computing | 40 minutes |
| 9 | English (Language and Literature), Maths and Science | Languages, RE. History, Geograpy & PE | PEXA, EE, DT, Computing | 50 minutes |
| Years 10 and 11 | English, Maths and Science | Options | At least 60 minutes |
How will I know if my child does not complete an ILA?
If your child does not complete an ILA, their class teacher will give them an extension (second chance) and log this on Arbor. This will trigger an email informing you that your child has a ‘Late IL Assignment’ and that the work needs to be completed for the new deadline. Please discuss this with your child should this happen.
If your child does not complete this assignment after the second chance the teacher will set your child a detention to catch up on their missing work. They will also log this on Arbor and phone home to discuss.
Where can my child get help with independent learning assignments?
Your child can ask their teacher if they need help with their ILA, they must do this before the deadline so that the teacher has time to support them.
Students can use IT facilities in the library after School.