University Technical College Bolton
Year 10: How Can You Support
Your Child with Independent
Learning Challenges in Term 2?
Innovation
Opportunity
Achievement
UTC Bolton will provide an outstanding technical and academic
education for 14-19 year olds where every student, through
personalised learning and clear goals, will stretch their
boundaries and learn more than they thought possible in order
to create the next generation of scientists, healthcare
practitioners, engineers and entrepreneurs.
Your future starts here
Homework V Independent Learning
• Homework is only effective when a student is
provided with a meaningful opportunity to
review and consolidate learning independently
from their taught lessons.
• Hence, here at UTC Bolton, we refer to
homework as independent learning.
• Independent learning tasks are only set when
sufficient learning has taken place to review
and consolidate knowledge, understanding and
skills.
• Independent learning encourages life long
learning.
• Independent learning is the difference
between a good grade and a great grade.
Introducing our Independent
Learning Calendar
• Every parent has usually
asked the question, ‘Have
you got any homework?’.
• The familiar response, ‘No!’,
often ends the dialogue.
• Our Independent Learning
Calendar lets you see what
topics are currently being
taught across the curriculum
and what independent
learning challenges have
been set.
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area
English
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
1-7
Literature: A Christmas Carol
Read the Staves
http://www.sparknote
s.com/lit/christmascar
ol/summary.html
Research Dickens
1-7
Language: Leaflet, review, article,
guide, report, speech writing.
Christmas
Revision for mock
exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock
exams in January 2016
Practise writing each
of the formats in 30
minute slots.
n/a
Other Useful
Resources
Educas old exam
papers.
www.educas.com
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Mathematics
Week
Topic Outline Independent Learning
Further Reading
1
Algebra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pElvQdcaGXE
Make a stop animation video (with voice over if you like) showing the
history of maths and the development of algebra.
http://nrich.maths.org/6485
http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/stop-motion-digital-camera/
2
Algebra
Answer the question attached and then produce a poster showing how
algebra is useful for these kind of problems.
http://nrich.maths.org/775
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/why-algebra/
Make up a similar question of your own to feature on your poster.
3
Representing Data
Find a Newspaper article that quotes ‘suspicious’ statistics. Write a report
showing what you can to verify these numbers and explain how it could be
misleading. Why does media intentionally do this?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news
http://thesun.co.uk
http://www.theguardian.com/uk
4
Angles & Trigonometry
5
Angles & Trigonometry
Draw a comic strip showing a brief overview of Pythagoras’ life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1E7I7_r3Cw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dkg81czRMM
Research the golden ratio and produce a PowerPoint mini lecture on one of
it’s related topics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5TUtMIxORA
http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature
6
Fractions & Percentages
Create a set of Top-Trumps cards for a group of your choice (superheroes
for example).
http://www.toptrumps.com/how-to-play-top-trumps/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsT8nOHUzxg
7
Review
Christmas
Revision for Mock
Examination w/c 25th January
2016
Each skill should be rated in either a percentage, fraction or a decimal so
that when playing you have to convert between them quickly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiC50tFzYhI
Prepare revision timetable for over Christmas break.
https://getrevising.co.uk/planner
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject
Biology
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Immunity
Poster on all 3 lines of defence
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
/mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
Instant notes immunology
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
2
Revision
AQA website unit 1 biology exam
questions
Questions given by tutor
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
3
Nervous system
Video explaining the nervous
system – diagrams and models
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
Campbell and Reece
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
4
Hormones
Poster showing where hormones
are released form and their
functions
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
Martini – anatomy and physiology
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
5
Menstruation cycle
Stop frame animation
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
Martini – anatomy and physiology
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
6
Habitats
Make a habitat and give a
presentation on your chosen
habitat.
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
Edmodo L:drive
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
7
Revision booklet
To use all class notes and text
book to make revision booklet
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
Any GCSE biology text books and
class notes
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
Christmas
Revision mock exam
Questions from AQA unit 1
biology past papers
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
AQA website unit 1 biology past
papers
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
Christmas
Revision mock exam
Questions from AQA unit 1
biology past papers
Any GCSE biology text book/
biology
mad.com/scool.com/bbcbitezie
AQA website unit 1 biology past
papers
CGP GCSE core science - AQA
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Chemistry
Week
Topic Outline
Independent Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Limestone
Design a poster on the limestone cycle including uses,
extraction and environmental impact.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
2
Metals 1: Extraction
Attempt the following activity and then write a tweet
to comment on it (no more than 150 characters):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zfsk7ty/activ
ity
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
3
Metals 2: Uses
Choose a metal and then write a Facebook profile for
it, you can include location on the periodic table, what
alloys it forms and its uses.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
4
Metals 3: Recycling
Write a newspaper article on the environmental and
economic impact of using metals.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
5
Combustion and Air Pollution
Research how air pollution is caused and how
different companies deal with this problem. Write a
small report on this.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/post-2015consensus/airpollution?gclid=Cj0KEQjw75yxBRD78uqEnuG5vcBEiQAQbaxSBmeHJHnKdMYZpFCFnQ1IrRhnWbHwhO8R30NV1MGOwaAv1r8P8
HAQ
6
Crude Oil and its Components
Design a poster to inform people about fractional
distillation, include information about each fraction
and its uses.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
7
Uses of the Fractions
Create a comic strip to show how long chain alkanes
are broken down to form more useful products.
Collins Science A: AQA textbook for
B1, C1 and P1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw
Christmas
Revision for Mock Examination
w/c 25th January 2016
Past papers and mark schemes
http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/examsguidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes
Christmas
Revision for Mock Examination
w/c 25th January 2016
Past papers and mark schemes
http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/examsguidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area: Physics
Week
Topic Outline
1
Heating and insulating buildings
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
Plan an investigation by
constructing a model house, using
sensors and data logger to
measure temperatures with and
without various types of
insulation.
BBC Bitesize
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sch
ools/gcsebitesize/science/
ocr_gateway_pre_2011/en
ergy_home/1_keeping_ho
mes_warm2.shtml
http://physicsnet.co.uk/gcsephysics/thermal-energy-buildings/
2
Cost of transferring electrical energy
Find out the power of several
electrical appliances in the home;
estimate the cost of using these
appliances in a typical week
https://www.ukpower.co.
uk/tools/running_costs_el
ectricity
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/cos
t.html
3
Electricity generation
Create a poster to explain the
advantages and disadvantages of
the different ways that water
sources are used to generate
electricity
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bite
size/standard/physics/ene
rgy_matters/generation_o
f_electricity/revision/1/
http://ramblingsdc.net/ElecGenProsCons.
html
4
Electricity generation
How is my electricity generated?
Research to find out what power
sources are used by pupils’
domestic energy providers.
Local generators near
Bolton
http://www.clpenergy.com/
Supplier info
http://www.enwl.co.uk/
http://www.edfenergy.com/energyfuture
5
Waves – electromagnetic waves
Make up an illustrated mnemonic
or acronym to help you remember
the order of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
BBC learning zone clip
about the electromagnetic
spectrum
http://www.bbc.co.uk/lear
ningzone/clips/theelectromagneticspectrum/10676.html
NASA
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/
ems/waves3.html
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area
Computer Science
Week
Topic Outline
Independent Learning
Further Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Python Programming
Programming Challenges
www.codeacademy.com
Challenges sheet issued in
class
2
Hardware – CPU
Research into the fetchdecode-execute cycle
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ed
ucation/guides/zmb9mp3
/revision
3
Python Programming
4
Hardware – Input/Output
Research into
input/output devices for
people with disabilities
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ed
ucation/guides/zxgkxnb/r
evision
5
Python Programming
Programming Challenges
www.codeacademy.com
6
Hardware – Memory & Storage
7
Python Programming
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
www.codeacademy.com
Challenges sheet issued in
class
Challenges sheet issued in
class
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ed
ucation/guides/zmb9mp3
/revision
Complete challenges over
Christmas
www.codeacademy.com
Challenges sheet issued in
class
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area
Business Studies
Week
Topic Outline
Independent Learning
1
Sole proprietors & partnerships
2
LTD’s and PLC’s
3
Employment & retention
4
Employee Motivation
5
Employee Training
6
Employment law
Worksheet on case studies
of employment law
tribunals
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/topics/z8hs34j
7
Trade Unions
Research into trade union
movement
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/topics/z8hs34j
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Research businesses in the
local area
Further Reading
Other Useful Resources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/guides/z4br87h/revi
sion
Map of local businesses
created in class
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/guides/z4br87h/revi
sion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/guides/zfhn34j/revis
ion
Assessment on motivation
factors
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/guides/zstpvcw/revi
sion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/edu
cation/topics/z8hs34j
http://www.lawdonut.co.u
k/law/employment-law
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Physical Education
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
What I have done
Revise reasons that
effect participation
2
How culture affects participation
Different Cultures and
their beliefs
Students have
workbooks they should
be using.
GCSE AQA Revision
Textbooks – copies in
the LRC
3
Physique for sport
Different body types
4
How environment can effect
participation
How to overcome
these barriers
5
What is meant by risk and challenge
in sport
Examples of this
6
Activity levels and needs in
individuals
What are the benefits
of high activity levels.
7
Assessment
Assessment
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January
2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January
2016
BBC Bitesize http://www.bbc.co.uk/
education/subjects/zn
yb4wx
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area French
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
What I have done
Revise/practise
Perfect Tense
Work through your
workbooks
2
What I am going to do
Revise/practise
Future Tense
3
TV and Cinema
Vocab
4
Controlled Assessment practice
Revise all
vocab/grammar etc
www.linguascope.c
om (Username:
utcbling; Password:
paris) Intermediate
– Français: Famille
& amis/ Les
animaux/ les
loisirs/ les sports
5
Prep for Controlled Assessment
Write draft
6
Revision/further practice
Learn Presentation
7
Assessments
Learn Presentation
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
BBC Bitesize
www.languagesonli
ne.org
Français –
Grammar: Sections
1-6 + 9
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Spanish
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Where did I stay?
Revise/practise Vocab for
accommodation
Worksheets
2
What did I do?
Revise/practise vocab and
grammar for activities
Work through Mira
Workbooks
3
What did I see? Where did I visit?
Vocab and descriptions of
tourist attractions
4
Where would I go for my ideal holiday?
Conditional and future
tense
5
Prep for Controlled Assessment
Prepare answers to all
questions
6
Revision/further practice
Learn questions and
answers
7
Assessments
Learn questions and
answers
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
BBC Bitesize
Create mind map
for revision
Prepare key word
lists
Design a revision
poster
GCSE Revision Pack
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area History
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Stresemann and the Dawes Plan (Weimar stability)
How is each of the four conditions
of the Treaty of Versailles
addressed?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcs
ebitesize/history/mwh/germany/
BBC Bitesize
2
German Society (1923-1929)
Weimar propaganda
3
The Wall Street Crash
Literacy link to The Grapes of
Wrath
4
Political Instability (1929-1933)
Re-read book – why are the
German’s unhappy again?
5
The emergence of the Nazi Party
Assessment – why might people
now be more supportive of the
Nazi party?
6
The Psychology of Hitler and his Role in the
development of the Nazi Party
Biography – timeline
7
The Struggle for Power (1930-1933)
What is the difference between
Nazis and Communists?
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
School History.co.uk
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/r
evision/germany.shtml
You Tube clips on the Uprisings
and growth of the Nazi party
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Geography
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Flood Hydrographs – Factors affecting
Discharge/causes of flooding
Why is flooding so rare in Bolton?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcs
ebitesize/geography/water_rivers
/
BBC Bitesize
2
Flooding in MEDC/LEDC’s
Complete comparison assessment
http://revisionworld.com/gcserevision/geography/riverlandscapes/questions/quiz-1
BBC News website for up to date
news on flood events
3
Responses to flooding
How do we respond to flooding in
our local Area?
4
Management of water as a resource
Revision for assessment
5
Assessment/Intro to Population
Research population statistics
6
Population statistics
Feedback – follow up work from
assessment
7
Demographic Transition Model
Internet research ready for next
term
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
Christmas
Revision for mock exams in January 2016
http://www.geography.learnonth
einternet.co.uk/multichoice/rivers
.html
Internet Geography
Independent Learning Calendar
Term 2 November – December 2015
Subject Area Culture
Week
Topic Outline
Independent
Learning
Further
Reading
Other Useful
Resources
1
Healthy Eating and Body Shape
Research for information on
eating disorders
Create a fact
file/poster/presentation on the
topic
Internet
Newspaper clippings
Magazines
2
Junk Food
Research a fast food organisation.
What do they say about their
food?
3
4
Relationships
Teenage pregnancy and my culture.
Could I cope?
Research consent
Research the approaches of
different faiths to this.
Support available
5
Drinking/Smoking/Drugs
Research into the problems they
cause.
6
Why do I need to listen?
Plan a debate on Healthy Lifestyles
Plan a “chat show”.
7
Assessment preparation
Prepare answers for questions
Christmas
Christmas
Create a diet sheet
Plan a campaign – Why should I
wait?
Read problem page cuttings
Introducing our Express Take
Away
• Every parent has usually asked
the question, ‘Have you got any
homework?’.
• The familiar response, ‘I’ve
completed everything!’, often
ends the dialogue.
• Our Express Take Away menu
put you back in control as a
parent. If a student says that
nothing has been set then the
menu enables you to set an
appropriately challenging and
worthwhile task as an
independent learning activity.
Scientific Starters
Core Main Courses
A spicy selection of literacy-focused starters
to whet your appetite!
Hit your homework hunger hard with this
mouth-watering selection of main courses!
Tweet and Sour …………………………………………
Authentic independent Learning and
Reflective Cuisine
Write a tweet (no more than 140 characters)
explaining a key skill we have covered this term.
Word Ton Soup ………………………………………….
Choose 3 how science works key words and explain
how they relate to an experiment we have done this
term
Mixed Platter …………………………….
Watch a TV programme on YouTube or Catch Up
about a topic you are studying and summarise the
content
Mini Spring Rules ………………………………..…….
Create an A4 poster explaining an important concept
you have used this term
Speech Cocktail …………………………………………
Welcome to UTC Bolton’s Express
Takeaway menu, delivering fresh, hot and
delicious independent learning tasks
straight to your doorstep!
How to order
Choose your independent learning task from the
menu. The UTC crest rating indicates the difficulty
of each task, ranging from ‘a quick consolidation’ to
‘moderate’ to ‘challenging’. You can only try each
dish once and you must order a different course
each time! Enjoy your food!
Find a news item about a topic you are studying and
summarise it in your own words
Spicy Baked Numbers ………………………………
Choose a Maths topic and show how it can be used in
science
Yu Teach Tu …………………………………….…………
Choose a skill we have studied this year and design a
revision task for the class to complete.
Aromatic Audit ………………………………………....
Complete a forensic audit of your skills on an
extended piece of writing using ‘What is the quality of
communication?’ criteria.
Photo Phuey ………………………………………………
Choose a photograph to summarise a topic you have
studied – justify your choice.
Spicy Song Sauce ………………………………………
Write a song or a poem inspired by any topic you have
covered in a lesson this term.
Foo Yung Facebook ………………………………….
Create a Facebook Profile Page for a scientist,
historical person or writer you have studied this term.
Assorted Quiz Questions …….…………………….
Create a ten question quiz for your classmates based
on this week’s lessons.
Photo Fritter ………………..……………………..…….
Create a iMovie trailer to illustrate a topic you have
covered this term.
Cross Curricular Curry …………………………
Choose a topic from another subject, other than
English and Maths, and show how you can link it to
science
Crispy Crossword ………………………………………
Make a crossword using only key terms from a subject
of your choice this term. Don’t forget to write detailed
clues!
Creative Cracker …………………………….…………
Produce a piece of artwork, or a 3D model, to
demonstrate your understanding of our current topic.
King Plan Platter ……………………………………....
Plan the follow-on to today’s lesson, using the ‘5
minute lesson plan’ to structure your ideas. Collect a
template from your teacher to complete this task!
Spare Ribs …………………………………………
Create a board game based on a topic from this term.
It should test skills and knowledge.
Reflective Desserts
Chef’s Specials
Engineering Sharers
Still hungry? Reflect on your progress
with a tasty dessert!
Get your teeth into these extra spicy
dishes! They come highly recommended
but be warned: they’re not for the faint
hearted!
Don’t want to eat alone? A meal with
friends can be great fun, too! Try out
one of these sensational sharers!
Progress Pie ………….……………………………………
Write your own teacher-style progress report for this
week’s lessons.
Rapid Reflection Roulade ………………………….
Mixed Media Special …………………………………
Set Meal A ………………….………………………..……
Complete a ‘five-minute reflection plan’ based on this
week’s lessons.
Create a movie, a video blog, or a documentary
explaining a topic or area of study from a subject of
your choice this term. This dish is served with free
equipment hire and a video editing master class. Our
Head Chef, Mr Goddard, recommends this dish to
those with an eye for detail and an interest
captivating the interest of your peers. A lot of work
involved here, but worth it in the end!
In a group (max. four), plan and teach a 20 minute
revision lesson, complete with resources, based on a
topic we have covered in a lesson of your choice this
term. You could use a PowerPoint, create worksheets,
or record a video. Just ensure that everybody in your
group takes on a significant role… no room for
spectators with this dish!
Edible Extension ……………….……………………….
Compose three extension questions, based on the
current topic, and research the answers.
Glace Graph………………………………………...…….
Produce a graph to demonstrate what you have learnt
and the progress you have made in a subject of your
choice this term.
Twice Baked Marked Meringue ………..………
Choose one piece of marked work in your book and redo it, ensuring that you are responding to feedback
and making improvements where necessary.
Audit Ice Cream ………………………………………
Complete an audit of your extended written work in a
subject of your choice. What are your strengths?
Where are your common errors? What targets could
you set yourself for improvement?
Let’s play …….………………………………….…………
Design a whole-class game that reflects on any skills
that we have developed this year in a subject of your
choice.
Family Fondue………………………………………....
Teach today’s lesson to a family member or friend and
mark the work that they produce.
Creative Crumble ….…………………………………
Create a collage using images, words, photos,
examples of work to demonstrate how you are using
skills that you have developed this term.
Spicy Storyboard Supreme ……………………….
Create an A3, full colour storyboard depicting key
moments from this week’s lessons. Recommended for
all budding artists, this dish requires a keen eye for
observation and the ability to select and summarise
important information. Be sure of your facts if you’re
brave enough to tackle this monster meal!
Hero Platter …………………..………………………….
Create a Scientific superhero and produce a comic
book / photo story / film of one of their adventures.
What powers would they have? How would they use
them? Can you explain the science behind them?
There’s no end of fun to be had with this super-sized,
superhero dish!
The Great British Bake
off……………………..…….
Bake a cake inspired by a topic covered in a lesson of
your choice this term! One of the tastiest dishes on the
Takeaway Menu! What better way to demonstrate
your understanding of a key topic than designing a
themed cake for your classmates to enjoy! The only
edible entry on the menu!
Set Meal B ………………………………..……………….
In a group (max. four), write and perform a mini-play
inspired by a topic we have covered this term. This
dish begins with a beautifully presented script,
followed up by a gut-busting performance videoed for
your classmates! Can you handle it?
Set Meal C ……………………..………………………….
In a group (max. four), plan and deliver an assembly
for your year group based on a topic we have covered
this term. This dish is the ultimate test of nerves! Can
you demonstrate expert knowledge and captivate an
audience of your peers?! Only the bravest live to tell
the tale and see their work on the school screens!
No excuses
• The only excuse now is,
‘My dog ate my
independent learning
challenge!’.