What are knowledge organisers?

A knowledge organiser is a document we produce ourselves and distribute to the students on a half termly basis. It contains the key words, definitions, diagrams and formulae that relate to the new learning in each subject your child studies.

Why do we use them?

Knowledge organisers are a resource greatly valued by our students because they support them with their learning by summarising key information and presenting it in small chunks. Knowledge organisers are commonly used at schools across the country, as research shows that (when they are used correctly) students are able to better retain information, are more able to access the curriculum and are more likely to revise independently. We create and refine our knowledge organisers to make sure the information in them reflects our curriculum, so all the information in them is relevant and up to date.

How can they be used?

At Hornchurch High School, we promote the use of ‘read, cover, write, check’. This is a tried and tested method of revision that helps students to commit words, definitions and formulae to their long-term memory so that they can recall it with ease when needed. All students are trained how to do this effectively, and are given a laminated instruction sheet at the beginning of the year to refer to.

Read 2 or 3 key words and definitions repeatedly for 2 minutes

Cover – cover up the words and definitions

Write – write out the words and definitions from memory, aiming for perfection

Check – use a green pen to mark own word, making corrections in green where needed

Repeat all steps until perfection is achieved.

What are our expectations of the students in relation to Knowledge Organisers?

Students must bring in their knowledge organiser and red knowledge organiser book every day, as it may be referred to in their lessons
Students must take care of their knowledge organiser and red knowledge organiser book – keep it neat, don’t lose it
Students should use their knowledge organisers to revise independently year round, using the read, cover, write, check method

Term 1

Term 2