Homework Calendar

Homework makes an important contribution to the quality of teaching and is an integral part of the curriculum. It is planned for within schemes of work and is set by teachers so as to accurately match students’ needs and to provide appropriate challenge. All homework will be set using Classcharts. Students who do not have regular access to a computer at home are able to access one in school during lunchtime, and can also record their homework in their planner.

The government makes it very clear in the way that they inspect the setting of homework:

“Teachers set homework, in line with the school’s policy and as appropriate for the age and stage of pupils, that consolidates learning and prepares pupils well for work to come.”

Research shows that homework is an important part of a child’s development because of the discipline and application needed to complete the activities. Your child may be set work to complete outside of the classroom providing opportunities to:

•  Consolidate and extend classwork
•  Revise for tests
•  Carry out research or surveys
•  Prepare for learning new activities
•  Practise examinations skills

The exact frequency that homework will be set in different subjects will depend on the amount of curriculum time dedicated to each subject. The expected frequencies can be found on our website, with some subjects setting homework weekly, and others fortnightly or twice per half term. Assessment and feedback relating to completed homework tasks may take the form of class discussion, self-assessment or teacher assessment, depending on the nature of the task set. Students can expect to receive commendations where work has been completed to a high standard. Students who fail to complete homework to a satisfactory standard or who do not hand homework in by the date required will be sanctioned according to the Academy’s Behaviour Policy.

We very much value the support that parents offer the school, and there are a number of ways in which you can help your child with homework:

• - Helping your child to create a routine for homework which takes into account outside interests and weekend plans.
• - Checking Classcharts regularly, and encouraging your child to complete work well before the deadline.
• - Provide the tools for home learning – quiet space with a table to work at, pens etc.
• - Discussing tasks and showing an interest in their learning.
• - Encouraging your child to check their work before handing it in.

If your child finds that they need help with a particular task, their first action should always be to talk to their teacher as this will enable most problems to be solved. Your child’s Group Tutor will see them every morning, and can be a useful point of contact, working alongside your child to resolve problems.

The frequency and duration of the homework that is set depends on curriculum time dedicated to each subject and is shown below:

KS3:

PE will set homework where appropriate.

KS4:

*To account for the variation in the length of half terms this will be roughly one homework every 3 weeks.

KS5: Five hours of independent study work should be set each week. In addition to the expectation that homework is completed, students have dedicated “directed time” periods on their timetables to assist with the organisation of their time.