Rationale

At The Cottesloe School (TCS), we believe Independent Learning is an essential part of the learning process. It reinforces and extends classroom learning, fosters independent study skills, and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. Independent Learning often plays a key role in raising a student’s level of attainment¹. At TCS, we value the importance of family time and leisure time for all students in order to achieve balance in their lives, and to benefit from wider opportunities. Therefore, our Independent Learning policy aims to provide clear guidelines for staff, students, and parents/carers to ensure that Independent Learning is purposeful, manageable, and beneficial.

^{1. The Education Endowment Foundation states that homework has a positive impact (5+ months) on progress compared to those who do not engage with homework - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/homework}

Aims

• To enhance students’ understanding of the curriculum and consolidate their classroom learning.
• To develop independent study skills and self-discipline.
• To encourage a partnership between school and home in supporting students' learning.
• To provide opportunities for students to engage with and explore their interests beyond the classroom.

Principles

1. Quality over quantity: Independent Learning should be meaningful and relevant to the curriculum, rather than merely a set amount of work.
2. Adaptive: Independent Learning tasks should be tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with SEND.
3. Feedback: students should receive timely, constructive feedback on their Independent Learning to support their progress and development.
4. Variety: Independent Learning may take Variety forms, including written assignments, reading tasks, problem-solving, research, data analysis, evaluation, projects, revision, and where appropriate practical activities.
5. Parental involvement: parents and carers are encouraged to support their child’s Independent Learning but should not complete tasks on their behalf.
6. For all year groups, Independent Learning assignments will be set using subject Google Classrooms. The assignment will contain brief details of the Independent Learning task and any resources to support completion. This allows parents/carers and students to view all assigned Independent Learning tasks.