English KS3 Independent Learning
At Key Stage 3, students will receive two pieces of independent learning each week: vocabulary and writing.
Vocabulary
For each of the topics taught in the year, teachers have selected key, ambitious vocabulary that will support your child within the topic taught. The new GCSE demands that students can understand and use ambitious vocabulary so this homework set each week will specifically develop skills needed for GCSE study. The aim of the independent learning task each week is to embed the vocabulary into your child’s long term memory so that they will understand the vocabulary if they come across it in a text and they can use their vocabulary in their own writing. Research has shown that students should be exposed to vocabulary a number of times in order for it to retain in their memory, therefore, we have specifically incorporated this.
Each week your child will be taught a new word and will complete a task on this during their English lesson. The following week they will be given independent learning tasks to consolidate their knowledge of this word.
Writing
Students will also be set one writing task a week to consolidate their skills and knowledge from their weekly writing lesson. This should be completed neatly on lined paper and brought to class for their next writing lesson where it will be self or peer assessed.
English KS4 Independent Learning
In line with the school policy, your child will be set two pieces of independent learning tasks a week.The aims of the KS4 independent learning tasks are to embed skills that will support their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills at GCSE. One of these tasks will focus on Vocabulary, as the GCSE demands that students can understand and use ambitious vocabulary in their English Language and Literature exams.The other independent learning task will be linked specifically to what they are learning in the classroom in order to consolidate their understanding and develop their English skills.
It is essential that independent learning is completed every week and on time in order for it to be beneficial to your child’s progress.
