Thinking outside the classroom Independent Learning January
2015
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This session Why should I bother? The importance of independent
learning How do I get excited? Finding motivation for yourself How
do I go about doing it? Independent Learning skills Where do I
start? Finding resources and help
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Why bother? Research and our experience; focused learning
outside the classroom helps you to do well Spiral up or down?
understanding, confidence, grades, options, career
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Finding the motivation Short term praise, LEAP points, rewards,
satisfaction Long term enjoy more, better results, more
opportunities, more choice, more money Getting fit for your
future
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Dont take our word for it
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learn from last years Year 11
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What should you be doing? Formal homework. Larger pieces of
work notification on Frog parents can see. 2 or 3 per week. Pre-
and Post-learning. Examples: finish off work, check understanding
from a lesson particularly if you didnt understand, research the
next topic. Your own focus. Things you didnt quite understand,
areas of interest, focus areas from PSTs, Subject Websites, MyMaths
etc.
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How to get started - skills Produce a plan: What do you need to
work on? Areas you dont understand, feedback, PST Where do you work
best? home, friends house, after school session in a group,
library? When do you work best? Straight after school, after a
break, after tea, later in the evening, weekends? Commit to 1-2
hours per evening and time at weekends work around your social
time, reward yourself
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4 things you need to be successful in exams Subject content you
need to know your stuff Exam structure be familiar with the layout
and timings Question style recognise key words and make sure you
know what the examiner is asking you Handle the pressure decide
what you will do if you get stuck or run out of time
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DONTs 1. Take food/drink with you to revise (use this as an
incentive) WATER. 2. Listen to loud, heavy beat music (calm,
relaxing music is better). 3. Have the TV on. 4. Games Consoles
nearby. (reward) 5. Area where you will be disturbed. 6. Revise too
late or in bad light leads to zzzzzzz!! TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR
LEARNING DOs 1. Have a tidy, undisturbed place to work. 2. Try and
sit in a comfortable chair. 3. Have a clock or watch nearby. 4.
Ensure there is enough room for books and paper. 5. Bright light 6.
Use notes/revision guides. 7. Goals or plan of action for the next
hour. 8. Switch off phone. (reward)
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Subject Websites
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Revision Tools on Subject Websites Our own resources, created
by teachers Past papers and mark schemes BOARDWORKS revision
materials for all students in all subject areas 8,000 resources
GCSE Pod https://frog.ashingtonhigh.org.uk Your parents have a
log-in as well. Help them to help you
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Subject Websites
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Where do I go for help? Frog Subject Websites Your friends Your
teacher Your Tutor Subject Leader