Homework

We strongly believe that any form of extended study, including homework, contributes significantly to a pupil’s progress in school. It raises standards of achievement by embedding acquired knowledge, by developing acquired skills & attributes and plays an essential part in preparing pupils for tests, examinations and, most importantly, for lifelong independent learning. It extends challenges open to pupils and, used carefully as both an instructional tools and a tool of consolidation, can maximise the effective use of teaching time in school.

Key Stage 3

For pupils in Years 7 & 8, all homework will be set through a Knowledge Organiser, and should be completed in their yellow homework exercise book. The Knowledge Organiser gives detailed instructions on how and when pupils should complete each homework.

Homework will be issued by teachers each week according to scheduled lesson times, and pupils will have a further week to complete and return it to their subject teacher. Each homework should take approximately 30 minutes to complete, and up to 2 subjects will be set each day. In order to complete their homework, pupils will be asked to carefully read, and then make notes about their provided texts. 

It is very important that depending on the task, they may be required to use the “Look, Cover, Write & Check” method to go over their work, try to memorise important information, and test themselves on what they have been able to remember.

Year 9 and Key Stage 4

For pupils in Years 9, 10 & 11, all homework will be set and should be completed on the Google Classroom digital platform, using the Google Chromebook device that has been issued to all pupils in these year groups.

Homework will be issued by teachers once a week, and pupils will then have a week to complete and return it to their subject teacher. The homework may take the form of a short video clip, lasting up to 15 minutes to explain the topic and outline the task to be completed. During this time, pupils should be taking notes, and then move on to complete the task set. 

Homeworks may also be tasks set by the teacher using our online resources such as Sparx Maths or Seneca Learning platforms, depending on the requirements of the curriculum at any given time.

Each homework should take approximately 45 minutes to complete, and 2 subjects will be set each day. It is important that you encourage your child to work each evening so as not to fall behind and become overwhelmed with a large amount of work to complete in a short time.

In Year 11, pupils are required to stay in school for Period 5 for an extra lesson of English, Maths and Science, and Year 10 for an additional options lesson, which in effect replaces a homework activity in each of these subjects. Period 5 is a compulsory part of the timetable for all pupils which has helped to support the school’s year on year GCSE results improvements.