1. The 1-10 Scale

2. How well are you developing your independent study skills and how much effort are you putting into your studies? 1: 0-2 hours independent study a week 5: 10 hours independent study a week 10: 20 hours independent study a week

3. Be honest with yourself and choose your number!

4. The facts! A/S level students who end up with AAA tend to do 20 hours independent study per week. Questionnaire results show that the 20 hours tends to be across 4 subjects and equates to about 4-5 hours per subject per week outside of class. When we do the same with A level students, top students (those aiming for AAA or A*A*A*) do about 30 hours of independent study per week.

5. So, what can you do? First, reach 5/10. That means putting a timetable in place that gets you to at least 10 hours of independent study per week. Plan what that will look like and stick to it. Studies say that it takes 30 days to establish a habit. Make 10 hours per week your habit for a month. Then, step it up gradually. Go for 12 hours next…then 14… If you are doing 20 hours a week by spring, you’ll be in a really good place

6. Weekly review reminder: For 15 minutes, review the week’s work in one course or unit. We suggest the following: Check your notes are clear and legible and in order. Summarise your learning in a quick diagram, mind map or a few lines of notes. Highlight or circle stuff you’ve found hard this week. This is the stuff you’ll need to work on during your independent study time. Go through the jobs you’ve been given and the deadline’s you’ve got. Make a prioritised list for the week ahead.