The Purpose of Homework
Homework is an essential part of students learning.
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To promote progress through the assessment feedback loop.
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To embed learning.
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To consolidate knowledge and understanding.
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To develop good study habits and help students to be independent in their learning.
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To promote independent learning and a positive work ethic.
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To nurture the home/school relationship.
When setting homework teachers ensure that students have all they need to complete the work successfully. For example, if setting a research task not all pupils will have the same access to resources therefore, information sheets should be provided to accompany the task.
Frequency of Homework
At key stage three there is a minimum requirement of two pieces of homework per half term per subject. However, subjects which see students more frequently such as maths, English Science and RE will set more homework and subjects which see students less frequency will set one per half term such as Art, DT, Computer Science and Music. Additional Homework may be set to prepare for end of unit tests.
At key stage four pupils will be set weekly homework in all subjects, some homework may be on paper and some may be online homework such as Educake and Sparx.
The table below is a guide to how much time students are expected to spend on a piece of homework in a particular subject.
|
Year |
Time per homework |
Frequency per subject |
Overall Homework |
|
Year 7 & 8 |
30 mins |
At least two per half term. |
2+ hours per week |
|
Year 9 |
45 mins |
3+ hours per week |
|
|
Years 10 & 11 |
30 mins to 1 hour |
Weekly |
5+ hours per week |
Classcharts
The homework task set and the submission of homework is recorded on ClassCharts. This enables pupils and their families to check the homework they have to do on the ClassCharts App and keep track of when homework has been completed. You can download a copy of the Classcharts App from your APP store but you will need a unique code to access your child’s account which is posted out at the beginning of term. If you lose your code please contact the school office.
Homework Support
If students do not understand homework tasks, they should see their subject teacher, before the day when the homework is due for completion. Learning support staff offer a lunchtime and after-school homework club in the Good Shepherd Centre. Additionally, the library is open before school from 8:30 am and after school until 4:30 pm for all pupils to use to complete homework and independent study. The librarian is also able to assist pupils in completing homework and study timetables to help them organise their time.
Rewards for Excellent Homework
Homework can be recognised with virtue points awarded in ClassCharts and these can build up to weekly, termly, and yearly rewards. Postcards home, phone calls home and reward stickers are be issued for outstanding homework. Additional subject teachers can make referrals to their curriculum leaders for pupils who deserve a curriculum champion reward. Pupils may also bring good pieces of work to What Went Well Wednesday to receive instant rewards and work towards completing their Learning Passport.
Extended Learning Time and After School Detentions
If a student does not complete work on time or to a good standard, the class teacher may use their professional judgement as to whether an extension can be allowed. If a student still fails to produce the homework, then a detention will be given or at Key Stage 4 a pupil may be referred to ELT (Extended Learning Time). The purpose of the detention or extended learning time is to support the pupil to complete the work to a good standard. When a pupil is referred to ELT the class teacher or a member of the department is available to support pupils completing homework in that subject.
Students' Responsibilities
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Check Class Charts weekly.
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Complete homework on time and to the best of their ability, taking pride and care in the work.
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Ask for help if needed.
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Attend detentions/ELT if set.
Parents'/Carers’ Responsibilities
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Check ClassCharts weekly to support children to complete homework on time.
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Support school in ensuring that students understand the importance, value, and benefits of completing homework.
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Help students find a time and place to complete homework, if this is difficult at home encourage pupils to use the library before or after school.
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Check and sign pupil’s planners each week, to make sure they are recording homework.
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Inform school if there is a pupil is struggling to complete homework so that support can be put in place.
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Support the school in making alternative travel arrangements if an after-school detention is necessary to complete missing homework.