The Independent Curriculum has given a new colour to the education system in
Indonesia. There are a number of significant changes in the independent curriculum,
which aims to achieve optimal curriculum standards. Thus, this research aims to find
out how the independent curriculum is implemented, the benefits, and the challenges.
This research design uses a case study. This research was done at SMP IT Madani
Banjarmasin. The researcher observed learning activities and interviewed an English
teacher and 15 students from three classes. Observation and interviews provided data
on how to implement the independent curriculum in English, while interview results
provided benefits and challenges. The results showed that the teacher implemented
the independent curriculum well in English class. This is evident from the application
of diagnostic assessments, formative and summative assessments, and teachers
emphasising student-centred learning strategies and integration between differentiated
learning and cooperative learning.Students and teachers benefit since it's easier for
teachers to understand students' mental states and deliver appropriate learning
through diagnostic assessment. Minimum Competency Assessment and Character
Survey have replaced National Assessment, giving schools freedom to choose the
assessment method, differentiated learning, technology, and games are used to teach,
driving teachers, and school programs. Teacher and student challenges include a lack
of technological facilities, books for teaching materials, limited time, a lack of
independent learning development in the application of literacy and numeracy,
differentiated learning, which requires a lot of preparation, and students' limitations in
using technological media at school.