Homework at Key Stage 5

Homework and Independent Study at Key Stage 5 

At Key Stage 5, independent study is a vital component of academic success and personal development. Students are expected to engage in a minimum of five hours of study per subject, per week, outside of their timetabled lessons. This time is essential to consolidate classroom learning and extend subject knowledge.

Developing Independent Learning Skills

• Early Sixth Form: Students receive structured guidance from teachers to develop effective independent study habits.
  
  

• Progressing Through Sixth Form: As students mature, they are expected to take increasing responsibility for their own learning—organising their time, identifying areas for improvement, and adopting strategies to support their academic goals.
  
  

What Does Purposeful Independent Study Look Like?

Independent study should be meaningful, varied, and linked to current or future classroom learning. It can include:

• Teacher-Assigned Work: Homework tasks, essays, problem sets, or research projects.
  
  

• Organising and Reviewing Notes: Summarising lessons, refining class notes, and creating study aids.
  
  

• Preparing for Future Lessons: Reading ahead, watching related videos, or researching key concepts.
  
  

• Wider Reading: Exploring texts, articles, or media beyond the syllabus to deepen subject understanding.
  
  

• Independent Projects: Self-directed coursework, investigations, or creative tasks.
  
  

• Regular Revision: Consistent review of content to build long-term retention—not just before exams.
  
  

• Practice Papers: Working through past exam papers and mark schemes under timed conditions to build exam technique.
  
  

By committing to regular, high-quality independent study, students will be better prepared for academic assessments and for the demands of further education and employment.