Education Conferences
Developing A School Wide Approach To Independent Learning
Conference – Cranleigh School – Tuesday 2nd December 2025
How best to develop the capacity of students for independent learning is a challenge faced by many schools. Whilst the aspiration of equipping students to think for themselves is widely shared, turning this vision into reality in the face of ongoing pressure to reduce real education to a routine of spoon-feeding and teaching to the test is a genuine challenge.
Dr John Taylor, who will lead this conference, has been at the forefront of the development of independent learning in schools, with extensive experience as a teacher trainer both in the uk and internationally. John co-directed the development of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) prototype ‘Perspective on Science’ course. He was involved in the development and implementation of the EPQ from its inception and has many years experience in supporting schools and colleges looking to promote student independence and embrace project work. He wrote a guidebook for teachers looking to develop ‘independent learning’ as part of the Bloomsbury ‘Teach Yourself: Train Others’ CPD Library.
AIMS
This day conference will be of interest to all those who are concerned to develop independent learning on a school-wide basis. Questions that will be explored include:
- What are the starting points for developing independent learning?
- What techniques are successful at developing research skills?
- How can we develop the capacity of students to think for themselves?
- How can project work be embedded alongside GCSE and A levels, through EPQ, HPQ, FPQ and other programmes?
- How can we best utilise IT resources to support project work
PROGRAMME
09:45 Registration, including Tea and Coffee
10:15 Welcome, overview of the course and aims of the day
10:30 A philosophical approach to independent learning
- Foundations of independent learning
- Starting points for independence
- Introducing research skills
- Teaching skills in reason and argument
- Managing classroom conversation
11:30 Coffee
11:40 The power of project work
- Teaching for independence
- Project work alongside GCSE and A Levels: staffing and timetabling
- Tips and pitfalls for project mentors
- Using ICT to support independent learning
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Independent Learning across the whole curriculum
- Shaping a vision for independent learning
- School-wide development planning
- Staff professional development
- Independent learning audit
- Challenges and opportunities
15:00 Plenary Discussion
15:15 Close
BOOKING INFORMATION
Ticket prices are £300.00 plus VAT @ 20% = £360.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased by completing a booking form and BACs payment.
Please complete the booking form https://www.cranleigh.org/whats-on/upcoming-events/developing-a-school-wide-approach-to-independent-learning-conference/ and send it to kanb@cranleigh.org.
Please note that this course is managed entirely by Cranleigh School; it is not an awarding body training event and no awarding body is responsible for its content.
For further details please contact our Commercial Manager, Mrs Michelle Chilcott, on 01483 542081 or via email: mic@cranleigh.org.