How Should I Approach My Learning

What do I need for my learning?

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To do well as a home-educated learner at Orchard Training, there are some clear expectations. These are not optional — they help you stay organised, confident, and in control of your learning. The good news is that once you get into the habit, they make learning much easier.

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Your Basic Kit

You are expected to bring the following with you and keep them up to date:

• A simple diary to record what you do each day

• An A4 folder to keep your evidence safe

• Dividers to organise your work

• Paper for notes and working things out

• Plastic sleeves to keep projects together

• Pens, pencils, and a pencil case

 

This is your responsibility. Turning up without the right equipment makes learning harder for you.

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Your Effort

 

Effort is just as important as equipment. This is your education and your future, and you are expected to take it seriously. This is your project.

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You are expected to:

• Come prepared with all your equipment, including your diary

• Record all learning in your diary, including what you plan to work on next

• Manage your time, so work is completed, not half-done

• Ask for help when you need it

• Take part fully, try new things, and challenge yourself

• Check your work and present it neatly

• Use digital tools to support spelling and grammar

• Bring all completed work to sessions — work left at home cannot be assessed

 

Your Attitude

You will meet work that feels tricky or confusing. That is not failure — that is learning. Your brain grows when it is challenged.

Instead of saying “I can’t do this”, you are expected to ask:

• What part am I stuck on?

• What different way could I try?

• Do I need more time or practice?

• Who can help me?

 

Mistakes are part of learning — they are expected.

"The world does not end because you get a question wrong!"

Giving up is not.

 

Celebrate the small wins along the way, because every step forward matters.

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Your Starting Point

If you are unsure where to begin, start from the last place where the subject made sense to you. You might be in Year 7, but Maths may have last felt comfortable in Year 4. That is okay.

 

There is no shame in starting where you need to - what matters is that you move forward.

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If you prefer staying in your comfort zone, remember this: real learning happens just outside it. New learning can feel uncomfortable at first. If that makes you anxious, talk to us. Support is available — but effort is still expected.

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Extra Support

If you are dyslexic or dyscalculic, English or Maths may feel especially hard. You will need specialist support to help guide your learning properly. You are expected to talk to us honestly about where you are and what you want to achieve so we can help you.

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Learning Together

Learning with others matters. Being a study buddy, joining group activities, and taking part in Orchard Training events helps reduce isolation and makes learning more enjoyable. You are expected to take part where you can.

Not every activity will be your favourite — but showing up still matters.

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Equipment you must have:

 

• You need regular access to a laptop or computer with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Many projects require digital evidence. IXL works best on a laptop rather than a tablet.

• You should also have access to a camera or phone camera to record work and activities. Digital evidence is expected and helps keep your work organised.

 

Bottom Line

You are capable of more than you think. As a home-educated learner, you have the freedom to set your own goals — but that freedom comes with responsibility.

1. Turn up prepared.

2. Put in the effort.

3. Ask for help.

4. Try again.

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That is what is expected.