SIXTH FORM Making the most of my learning Introduce myself. The LRC and its staff is a service for staff and students at LVS. One of our roles is to help you gain the skills and provide the resources needed for sixth form study. Please ask any of the LRC staff for help if you need it. Sue Bastone - Head of Learning Resources LVS Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

What’s different about sixth form study ? You need to become an “independent learner” rather than relying solely on your teachers You need to be responsible for planning and managing your workload You need to extend the range of the resources you use, going beyond Google and Wikipedia You need to understand plagiarism and how to avoid it We will be delivering a more detailed Research & Resources session later in the week.

What is an “independent learner” ? Someone who has developed during the course of their education the more advanced questioning and thinking skills that can be transferred to HE, work and 21st century life Someone who is able use technology but has also developed the skills needed to find, evaluate and communicate information. This is a university library! Two years may seem a long way off but learn to use yours now and this won’t be so much of a jump Universities will provide online databases, journals, books etc. - Wikipedia is not an acceptable source at uni Learn to cope with research now while you’re at school – both online and print resources in your library – Need more advanced skills – you may be effective at all forms of web-based activity but can you research effectively ?

Higher Level Thinking Skills ‘The skills of evaluation, synthesis, analysis, application, comprehension, and knowledge help stimulate inquiry that leads to deep knowledge and understanding, rather than shallow processing in response to simple or superficial questions with prescribed answers’.   Bloom’s Taxonomy These are the “old” skills – still needed today as well as digital literacy. It’s a big jump from GCSE and you will need help

Independent learners: Know what to do when they don’t know what to do! Ask effective Questions in their research Understand the task and plan their time and study Identify and use a wide range of resources Choose what to write - make good notes Reference and avoid plagiarism – Know what they’ve done and write a bibliography Don’t give up! “Those who know how to think need no teachers.”Mahatma Gandhi QUICK steps – your guide to effective research – this is on the sixth form guide you will get at the Research and Resources session we will deliver

When did you last visit a library? (school or public) Not since Year 9 Not since Year 10 Not since Easter I can’t remember! Up to GCSE you don’t necessarily need your library unless you borrow fiction. However you now need to start using it

Why does it matter? The library (LRC) offers a wider range of resources for your subjects The library encourages you to be independent The library can help you plan your research The library can help you with the skills you need to succeed The library provides quiet study space

Using the library (LRC) at LVS – Rights and Responsibilities You have the right to a quiet place to study You have the right to good online and print resources You have the right to qualified staff to help you It is your responsibility to treat the LRC and its staff with respect It is your responsibility to allow others their rights LRC staff are there to help but you must treat them with respect at all times. Students abusing the LRC, its services or staff will be asked to leave and forfeit their right to the facility. If a member of staff asks you to move please do so without argument – discuss quietly in the LRC office if you are unhappy, not in front of other students.

Using the library (LRC) at LVS Open from 7.45 am until 5.45pm (8.45 for boarders) Silent study only during lesson times – socialise in the Common Room! Sign in and out at LRC counter – 80 spaces Sixth form study room (S9) No charging facilities in LRC Water bottles only permitted – no other food or drink Self-explanatory mostly! Signing in and out – when full must use common room. Therefore MUST work during study periods. Will be asked to leave if not using the facilities appropriately.

What resources does the LRC provide? Print (books & journals) for all sixth form subjects Educational weblinks Online subscription journals Guides & templates Quiet study space Individual tutorials A level books on mezzanine

Good luck with your Studies Please ask any member of the LRC staff if you need help