Self-study

At Wildern we believe that Self-study is a necessary part of learning as it is used to consolidate the work completed in class. We beleive that :-

  • It develops the Wildern Attributes and study habits.
  • It teaches the importance of deadlines and consolidates and extends classroom learning. 
  • It encourages an enquiring mind.
  • It affords the opportunity for enrichment. 
  • It ensures opportunities to practise and consolidate new skills. 
  • It enables students to think critically and creatively. 
  • The impact of Self-study on learning is consistently positive (leading to on average five months' additional progress. 

At KS3 (Years 7 and 8) all departments will set self-study tasks. Self-study tasks are extended projects (usually half termly in length – though this may vary) which encourage students to develop lifelong learning skills as well as curriculum knowledge.

At KS3 Self-study is:

  • Used to promote independent learning in order to support, extend and consolidate progress.
  • Used to develop skills and attitudes students need for successful lifelong learning e.g. enquiry, independent research, creativity & critical skills.
  • Used to develop organisational skills and personal study skills.
  • Used to help teachers identify the strengths and weaknesses of individual students.
  • Differentiated and appropriate to the learning needs and style of the student.
  • Set in the context of a scheme of work.
  • Available on Google classroom.
  • Part of the process that helps students to work to deadlines.
  • Part of the process that invites parental involvement in student learning.

In order to facilitate the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 and based on parental feedback , Self-study tasks will be phased in throughout Year 7. This gives students the opportunity to successfully develop the skills of independent learning.

The programme for the phasing in of Self-study will be as follows:

September - Core subjects - (Information and Communication Technology, English, Science, Maths and MFL vocabulary).
December – Modern Foreign Languages and Creative and Media.
Feb/March – Humanities and Technology.
Summer term and throughout Year 8 – all subjects to set Self-study regularly in line with school policy.

At KS4 Self-study is:

  • Used to consolidate and extend on learning in the classroom.
  • Used to practice skills needed for success in examinations.
  • Used to help teachers identify individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Differentiated and appropriate to the learning needs and style of the students.
  • Given in accordance with the school’s Self-study entitlement timetable.

How can I support my child's learning? 

  • Encourage your son/daughter to work in a quiet, comfortable place at a regular time each day.
  • Encourage your son/daughter to see self-study as an extension of the lesson and not leave doing it until the night before it is due in.
  • Check that your son/daughter has recorded the work in his/her planner. 
  • Discuss the work with your child; does she/he understand the task? Can she/he extend and improve his/her answers?
  • Encourage your son/daughter to work to the time allocation set for each subject.
  • Refer your son/daughter to Google Classroom, school library or your local library. 
  • Remember to write a note in the planner if your child has a genuine reason for not completing the self-study. 
  • When you sign your child's planner, check that she/he is completing self-study and meeting deadlines.
  • Contact the tutor if you have any concerns about self-study. 
  • Your son/daughter may receive additional work from the Learning Support Department.  Try to agree a regular time to help your child with these tasks. 
  • During exam sessions, ensure that your son/daughter has created a revision timetable that can help to plan effective revision.  

Â