Independent Study

Recent changes to A Level specifications have placed an even greater emphasis on students being able to learn independently, apply their knowledge and work confidently outside the classroom. To achieve your full academic potential, it is important that you make effective use of the time available to you beyond your timetabled lessons.

A Level assessments frequently ask you to apply your subject knowledge to unfamiliar contexts, make connections between different areas of your course and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topics you have studied. This means that independent study is an essential part of your sixth form experience.

At Pudsey Grammar School Sixth Form, we want to help you become resilient, organised and independently confident learners who are prepared for life beyond the classroom. In Year 12 and Year 13, you will therefore be allocated at least one supervised independent study lesson per subject.

During these sessions, you must register and work independently in the Study Hall. Your subject teachers will provide programmes of work, resources and suggested tasks to help you make productive use of this time.

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What should I do during supervised study?

You should use your study time to complete work that supports your academic progress, including:

• Completing homework and outstanding classwork
• Working through revision resources provided by your teachers
• Completing tasks from your subject's Independent Study Resources or Ten Tasks folder
• Revisiting topics you have found difficult
• Creating and improving revision materials such as flashcards, mind maps or summary notes
• Completing additional questions or exam practice
• Reading around your subjects to extend your knowledge
• Preparing for upcoming lessons, assessments or examinations
• Reviewing feedback and improving previous work
• Completing wider reading, research or extension activities
• Independent study isn't just about your subjects

Supervised study is also a valuable opportunity to work towards your next steps after sixth form. You will not always need to spend the full session completing academic work. Once you have completed your priority subject tasks, you can use your time productively to develop your employability, research your future options and prepare for applications.

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Explore your Career Options:

• Not sure what you want to do after sixth form?
• Research careers and industries that interest you
• Explore university courses and entry requirements
• Research apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships
• Investigate different routes into your chosen career
• Use the Careers section of the Sixth Form Hub or the wider Pudsey Grammar School Careers Hub to start your research
• Explore opportunities, events and resources shared by the Careers Team (links found on both Career Hubs above)

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Develop your Employability

• Use the time to make yourself more prepared for employment:
• Create or update your CV
• Write or improve a cover letter
• Research employers and organisations you might like to work for
• Find suitable part-time jobs, volunteering or work experience opportunities
• Draft emails to employers
• Contact employers about opportunities
• Prepare for interviews and application processes

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Source Work Experience (Year 12)

Supervised study can be used to help you secure your Work Experience Week placement or find opportunities during the summer holidays.

You could:

• Research potential employers
• Identify organisations you would like to approach
• Find employer contact details
• Write and send professional emails
• Update your CV before contacting employers
• Keep a record of employers you have contacted
• Follow up on previous enquiries

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Prepare for post-Sixth Form life:

Year 13 students can use independent study to work on applications and prepare for life after sixth form, including:

• Searching for apprenticeships and employment opportunities
• Completing apprenticeship and job applications
• Researching university courses
• Completing your UCAS application
• Writing and developing your personal statement
• Researching student finance and university accommodation
• Preparing for interviews, assessment centres and recruitment processes

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Expectations during supervised study:

To make Study Hall a productive environment for everyone, you are expected to:

• Arrive punctually and ensure you are registered
• Bring relevant work or have a clear plan for what you will complete
• Choose a seat that is conducive to learning, or accept being directed to a suitable seat
• Use the resources and tasks provided by your teachers
• Work independently and responsibly
• Maintain a library atmosphere for the full session
• Keep mobile phones away and off desks
• Use your allocated time purposefully and avoid distracting others

You are permitted 5 minutes at the start of the lesson to speak to teachers and/or take a comfort break. After this, you should settle into your independent study and remain focused for the remainder of the session. Make your study time count.

Supervised study is your time. Use it to get ahead, strengthen areas you find difficult, explore your future and reduce the pressure on yourself later. Come prepared. Have a plan. Use the time well.