2. Independent & Student-led Learning and the New Secondary Curriculum

3. The New Curriculum’s Aims To foster links between subjects To develop self-critical qualities through self- and peer formative assessment To develop personal thinking and study skills To create life-long learners

4. From Teacher- to Student-led Develop skills Increase motivation Increase confidence Stimulate curiosity

5. What was achieved? Students realised they must take responsibility for their success Students were more positive, proactive and motivated Students enjoyed the greater challenges and the subsequent sense of achievement In most cases students’ level of achievement exceeded teachers’ expectations (Link) Student-led lessons/activities were very successful for revision (Link)

6. What could be improved? Independent learning relies on detailed guidelines, together with opportunities for students to discuss their progress with the teacher Student-led lessons/activities can be successful, but again depend on sufficient opportunity for the students to discuss any new material with the teacher

7. Independent Learning - Tips for Success Provide detailed Learning Objectives for each section of the project, and a clear desired outcome Provide some references or sources of information to get them started If students work in pairs/groups, check the groups Give a deadline and time-scale If possible provide useful exemplars and/or corresponding exam questions to enable students to check their progress Allow time for students to present their work (Link)

8. Student-led Learning - Tips for Success Be realistic with the choice of subject Give very clear and detailed expected outcomes, as well as detailed LO’s Remind students of the different learning styles and of some of the possible activities Set aside enough time for students to discuss and practise trickier activities If possible, check any new material is correct Make it clear to the whole class you are only an observer – you WILL NOT take over, so it’s up to them to make it work

9. Finally…. ….let me know how you get on! lricciardi@sjl.herts.sch.uk