Independent Learning
Independent learning is a key part of our rich curriculum offer at Admiral Lord Nelson School. Building knowledge over time is the key characteristic of a successful learner. To deepen their understanding students must be able to accumulate knowledge over time. The best way for students to develop and deeper understanding is to the build small and sustained parts so they can piece together a bigger picture. Students taking responsibility for their own learning build better habits for later life.
As well as enhancing their progress at school the skills of being able to: Work independently, manage their own time and meet deadlines are essential skills to succeed at all stages beyond ALNS. At ALNS each academic subject sets work for the students to complete once a fortnight. The expectations for the different Key stages is outlined below:
| Expectations for Key stage 3: | Expectations for Key stage 4: |
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All Independent learning is set on Satchel One only. Students get 1 piece per fortnight per subject. Independent learning should be focused on Language/reading being used to support the current topic or to build upon solid foundations in related knowledge. The friction of the independent learning task for staff, students and parents is removed by being self-marking and being a maximum length of 30 minutes. Digital completion is preferred but not mandatory. Teachers publicly share and reward completion. |
All Independent learning is set on Satchel One only. Students get 1 piece per fortnight per GCSE or equivalent. Independent learning should be focused on Language/reading being used to support the current topic or to build upon solid foundations in related knowledge. The friction of the independent learning task for the staff, students and parents is removed by being self-marking or embedded within the departmental assessment policy and being a maximum length of 45 minutes. Digital completion is preferred but not mandatory. Teachers publicly share and reward completion. |
The work set is focussed on supporting students’ development by providing a strong foundation in knowledge acquisition and key terminology, to support and deepen learning. The basis for this approach is built upon the research by cognitive scientists such as Sweller and Rosenshine.
All of this is communicated to parents and students through a website called Satchel One. The website shows all the work that is set and the deadline that it is due. This allows students to manage their work over the fortnight so that it is not left until the last minute.
The school relies on parental engagement and to aid this please consider the steps below to access your students independent learning calendars. Building this into a routine around a particular day of the week was a suggestion from one of our parents as it enabled a more frictionless approach to busy family life, whilst supporting the completion of independent learning and ultimately the learning of the student.
If the busy home environment is sometimes a barrier to Independent learning engagement, we are able to offer an Independent learning support club. The club is at the end of every day in the information centre. This means that all students can access a quiet and focussed environment where their learning can be supported.
How to access Satchel One:
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Click the Satchel One logo above to be taken straight to it.
Click, Sign in with Google
Use your school email and password
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Alternatively, you can download the app using the links below. By using the app students are sent reminders of the work that is due.
Parents and students are issued with log-ins for Satchel One.