We are excited to launch a brand-new, research-driven approach to independent study for Years 7–9: Get Ahead Tasks (GAT) and Revision Activities.
This is more than just a change of name from “homework” – it is a fresh mindset. Our aim is to help every student revisit, consolidate, and extend their learning while building the study skills that underpin long-term academic success.
Get Ahead Tasks (GAT):
- Each subject has created nine tasks per year group (including Character Curriculum in Years 8 and 9).
- Over 140 tasks are available for each year group, designed to enrich and extend students’ learning. This means students could complete three GAT a week and still have some left over. GAT vary in style and length, providing something for everyone.
- Students have free choice over which tasks to complete and when, encouraging them to follow their interests or strengthen areas that need improvement.
- Every completed GAT is logged on EduLink and earns house points, recognising effort and commitment.
- GAT have been collated into booklets for each year group and can be found on our website here.
Revision Activities:
- Alongside Get Ahead Tasks, independent revision activities have been built into every subject’s year plan, with around 30 guided revision activities set each year.
- These revision tasks are directly linked to assessments, helping students to prepare effectively while developing revision habits that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.
- Teachers will actively teach revision strategies in class and then set independent activities which allow students to put these skills into practice. This approach will ensure that students have an excellent understanding of what effective independent consolidation and revision look like.
- The Topics and Assessment Booklets contain a brief overview of the assessments students undertake in their KS3 courses. Assessments that require revision are highlighted in yellow. The booklets can be found on our website here.
- Revision tasks will be set on EduLink.
Why this matters:
- Research shows that independent study, when done well, significantly boosts progress. By combining choice (through GAT) and structure (through revision activities), students gain the best of both worlds.
- With GAT, parents and carers can actively support their child’s independent learning by discussing which tasks to complete. This means parents can ensure students always have an appropriate level of work.
- Parents can be reassured: there is a great deal of meaningful work here — far more than traditional homework. However, this approach is also designed to encourage students to form good study habits. It is carefully structured to stretch, challenge, and support every learner.
Together, this new approach helps students to “be the best they can be” — not just for this year, but for life.
