Independent Study

Students are expected to make effective use of independent study periods and manage their time to include homework, independent learning, or additional reading each day. We recommend that students aim to spend the equivalent of a 40-hour working week on their entire Sixth Form Programme. For those studying A-level subjects, 15 hours per week (outside of lessons) of additional independent study is a reasonable target to help maximise potential. BTEC students aiming for the highest grades should expect to commit a similar amount of time.

Students will always have work to do, much of which will be planned independently. Successful students seek to:

• Prepare revision summaries
• Revisit key classroom learning by reading relevant sections of textbooks
• Read around their subjects to build holistic knowledge that can be applied to their course
• Supplement their lesson notes
• Set learning targets and follow through on them
• Ask teachers and/or the CamSF Support Team for help when needed
• Revise continuously by creating note summaries, flashcards, or other revision resources
• Review past examination papers to understand how questions relate to taught topics
• Identify key areas of teacher feedback and take proactive steps to close learning gaps
• Use the Sixth Form Library, online platforms, and watch relevant TV programmes, as well as read quality online sources such as news outlets to deepen their understanding

As examinations (or mock exams) approach, independent learning will naturally increase. However, students tend to achieve more consistent and higher results when they engage in regular independent work and revision throughout the year. Your academic tutor should be your first point of contact for support with independent study—don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.