Independent Learning Projects
Independent Learning Projects
The curriculum at Hope Valley College has developed and diversified so that we offer a wide range of pathways and qualifications to cater for the needs of all students. We have reviewed of the types of learner and the skill set that our students are required to have as they embark upon their studies in KS3 and 4 and as a consequence, have reviewed and restructured the home work policy in KS3. After much consultation with our students, other schools and across departments we launched Independent Learning Projects in 2009 to enhance the work we already do with PLTS (personal learning and thinking skills), personalised learning and adressing the skills required for students to be successful in their studies.
The Independent Learning Projects are designed to;
- Develop personal learning and thinking skills and promote independence and self management of tasks
- Encourage a ‘love of learning’ by allowing an element of choice in the style of task for each student
- Promote a greater depth of understanding of particular subject areas
- Prepare students with the skills that they will require for courses they may embark upon in KS3 and 4
The Structure
English, Maths and MFL will set a stand alone homework task of 20-30 minutes each week and all other departments will set an Independent Learning Project on a fortnightly rota. The projects comprise of a set of compulsory tasks and elective tasks that are differentiated so that they are accessible and provide challenge to all students. Both the Lead Teacher for G&T and the SENCO have provided guidance on the type of task that is set and the terminology that is used.
Assessment
The projects will be assessed in a variety of ways;
- Self Assessment by the student – requiring the students to reflect upon what they have achieved. Each student will set themselves a target to work towards for their next project
- Peer assessment – involving one or two members of the group looking at and celebrating each others work
- Parent Assessment – some projects encourage parental involvement as it important to gain an insight into how long the students spend on their project and how much help they had received
- Teacher assessment – requiring a comment, effort grade and target of how to improve and make further progress.
How to find the ILP briefs:
All ILP briefs can be found in the 'Independent Learning Projects' section of Realsmart.
Y7 and Y8 Design and Technology
Realsmart
Realsmart is an online portfolio building package. Students are expected to submit evidence for the ILPs using Realsmart. Most ILP task sheets will be uploaded onto Realsmart so that they can be accessed via the website. However, due to copyright some tasks may be distributed to the students as a paper copy.
How to Use Realsmart
Students can use Realsmart to submit and build a portfolio of evidence, and we would like them to use it to collate their ILPs. Staff can view their evidence and assess all work online - the students can see all feedback.
Students must upload work into their Independent Learning Projects Passport in the correct subject area 
Realsmart also has a number of tools that students can use to create pieces of work, including a web-site building tool (Rweb) and a mind-map tool (Rmap).
How to login to Realsmart
Use the link on the front page of the College website or go to https://www.rlsmart.net/hopevalley
All students have been given a username and password. Please see Mr Beeden if you need to have your password reset.
Students