Principles
Core Knowledge Organisers
Independent Learning at Key Stage 3
Independent Learning at Key Stage 4
Research
Autumn Core Knowledge Organisers

Principles

  • Research indicates that the influence of homework on learning consistently yields positive results, leading to an average of five months' additional progress. 

  • Studies demonstrate that in the most effective instances, homework is an integral part of learning, not merely an addition. 

  • Complex or open-ended homework is often completed less effectively; short, frequent homework closely monitored by teachers is likely to have a more significant impact. 

  • A recent study investigating the correlation between time spent on homework and academic achievement revealed that pupils completing homework independently for 60-70 minutes daily experienced the most substantial impact (Institute for Effective Education, 2015). 

Independent Study at Ark Boulton Academy

We expect the following from our pupils:

  1. Pupils should complete Teams Reading Practice weekly
  2. Pupils should follow the study timetable below, completing their studies as directed by their class teachers
  3. Pupils should complete their Core Knowledge self-quizzing in their Core Knowledge exercise books, and their online work using Sparx Maths, Seneca, Century Tech or Microsoft Assignments in Microsoft Teams.

Core Knowledge Organisers

Core Knowledge Organisers 

At Ark Boulton, our expert teachers have created a Core Knowledge Organiser. This document includes all the essential information your child needs for their subjects. It uses accurate academic terms and matches what they learn in class. This helps your child understand what they need to learn and reduces confusion. The organiser highlights key knowledge and concepts, helping your child remember the most important information for assessments.

You can find the termly Core Knowledge Organisers at the bottom of the page. 

Self-Quizzing 

Self-quizzing is a way for pupils to practice and master core knowledge. It helps them regularly recall information from the Organiser, making it easier to remember and learn quickly.

Pupils should:

  1. Read through their Core Knowledge Organisers and then try to write out what they can remember without looking back at the Organiser
  2. Go back through their notes with a different coloured pen to correct any mistakes and add in any missing information from the Organiser
  3. Re-write the Core Knowledge block again, without looking at the Organiser
  4. Go back through the block with a different coloured pen, correct any mistakes and add in any missing information
  5. Repeat this process as least three times per Core Knowledge block.

Consolidate Foundational Knowledge

We use online platforms to help pupils to see how Core Knowledge fits into a bigger picture. 

These platforms let pupils apply what they have learned in class and through self-quizzing to exam-style questions. 

Pupils should spend 30 minutes on self-quizzing and 30 minutes on their online work per session. 

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
  Week 1
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Maths English Science Geography RE and Personal Development
Online (Apply) Sparx Maths Century Tech Seneca Century Tech / Seneca Seneca / Teams
  Week 2
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Drama & PE Computer Science MFL History Music
Online (Apply) Seneca / Teams Seneca Language Nut / Seneca Seneca

Art - Sketch Book

 

Independent Learning at Key Stage 3

Pupils should spend 30 minutes on self-quizzing and 30 minutes on their online work per session. 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9) Timetable
  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
  Week 1
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Maths English Science Geography RE and Personal Development
Online (Apply) Sparx Maths Century Tech Seneca Century Tech / Seneca Seneca / Teams
  Week 2
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Drama & PE Computer Science MFL History Music
Online (Apply) Seneca / Teams Seneca Language Nut / Seneca Seneca

Art - Sketch Book

: 

Independent Learning at Key Stage 4

Pupils should should spend 30 minutes on self-quizzing and 1 hour on their online work per session. Core subjects are studied weekly, and Options subjects fortnightly.  

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) Timetable
  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
  Week 1
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Maths English Science RE / Citizenship Option A
Online (Apply) Sparx Maths Century Tech Seneca Seneca / Teams Seneca / Century Tech
  Week 2
Core Knowledge (Acquire) Maths English Science Option B Option C
Online (Apply) Sparx Maths Century Tech Seneca Seneca / Century Tech

Seneca / Century Tech

The timetables above are very much recommended, but we recognise that pupils may be busy some evenings, or they may prefer to work at the weekend. This gives pupils the flexibility to complete their studies at a time that is convenient for them and their families.

The Role of the Pupil

  • Pupils will use their planner to record key deadline dates each week
  • Pupils will use the independent learning timetable to plan their time each evening to avoid missing subjects
  • Pupils will complete all work set to the best of their ability
  • Pupils will seek assistance from staff if they have issues with accessing online providers or internet connection.

The Role of the Parent / Carer

Working together will help our pupils to be successful. Parents and carers can support in the following ways:

  • Allocating a quiet study space at home
  • Asking to see your child's online study / Core Knowledge Organiser
  • Testing your child on what they have learnt using the Core Knowledge Organiser
  • Asking your child what they have learnt
  • Setting targets together
  • Familiarising yourself with Sparx Maths, Seneca and Microsoft Assignments 
  • Visit the Parent Hub (Subjects) to access information and 'how-to' guides
  • Attending parent / carer sessions on how to support your child's independent learning.

Rewards

Pupils will be asked to show class teachers their completed core knowledge work in lessons and teachers will use the monitoring tools on the online platforms to assess completion. All pupils are expected to obtain a score of at least 80% on an online task for it to be considered complete.

Pupils who complete all work to the correct standard will receive a merit.

  • Each week, class teachers will select a 'pupil of the week' who will achieve an exceptional recognition certificate for independent study
  • Each week, Reading teachers will select a 'pupil of the week' who will achieve an exceptional recognition certificate
  • Each term, Directors of Faculty and Subject Leads will select a 'study champion' for each Year Group – someone who goes above and beyond in their independent learning and they will receive the 'study champion' badge.

Useful Study Links

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams website. Pupils may sign in with their academy email account. NOTE: Please open the MS Teams App for better functionality.

Sparx Maths

For Maths 

Seneca Science

For Science and other subjects

Century Tech

For English and other subjects

BBC Bitesize

Pupils should select their Year Group, Subject and Content to revise

Ark Spark

Ark’s website with content which tracks the curriculum

Oak National Academy

National website with a range of online lessons 

Research

Research underpinning the Ark Boulton Academy approach to Independent Learning

Autumn Core Knowledge Organisers