Independent study

From a former student...

"The first word of advice I’d give to new college students, is that a ‘free lesson’, isn’t actually a period in which you’re free to do what you want. The quicker you understand that a free period should be used to be doing something productive, the easier you’re going to find Sixth Form. Always keep track of work you’ve missed and homework you have due, whether by using a notebook or app. Don’t just rely on your memory and google classroom, it doesn’t work! Before the year even begins, make sure you have all your equipment and ready yourself to get stuck right in on the first day. Remember, the harder you work throughout the 2 years, the less stressed and the more confident you’ll feel for your final exams. Whenever you’re feeling demotivated, ask yourself, how do you want to feel on results day?”

Marcus Baker

Independent study on-site

One of the main differences between Year 11 and Sixth Form is the fact that you have a lot more "spare" time on your hands because so much less of the work you do is teacher-led. It is therefore essential for students who are new to Sixth Form to understand that a "free period" is not actually free time.

There are many ways of structuring your time in Sixth Form and at home to ensure you are putting in the hours expected of you but it does require self-discipline and organisational skills you may not have acquired to date.

Students should expect to study for about 40 hours per week in total which includes lesson time, private study time and home learning (i.e. 'normal' working week!). Minimum expectations should be: 5-6 hours per subject per week for all Sixth Form Students.

Private study time in Sixth Form should be used constructively. The Sixth Form has a variety of study spaces, from silent individual booths to more informal and collaborative spaces to work. Sixth Formers should also use the Learning Resource Centre (Library) as a quiet place where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the Sixth Form Centre and really focus on spending time on site productively.

Working from home

A regular work routine should be established at home. Home learning should be done in quiet surroundings where proper concentration can be achieved. Students will need to decide when and where they prefer to work and build their leisure time and part-time jobs around this. We recommend no more than 10 hours' paid employment a week .

Assignments should be done whilst they are fresh in the mind as this saves a lot of time and effort. It also avoids last minute panics over deadlines!

It is important to keep good basic notes for revision purposes. These should be in order and stored carefully.

Parents and students can both track home learning on Google Classroom.

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