To meet our aims of students achieving their full potential, homework must be set as an integral part of the work of each student in each subject area. No student is exempt from homework, and all set tasks must be set for the age and ability of the student.
The homework must be set as part of the scheme of work that the entire subject is working on. The work should be planned and relevant to the curriculum work being undertaken. Homework tasks should generally be self-sufficient. Exercises, learning tasks and research all provide a good basis for relevant homework.
Homework is best set within the body of the lesson, not at the end. Staff should ensure that students record the homework and the date for completion in their Planners. Students failing to complete homework should be verbally warned in the first instance and then moved through various methods for continued failure to comply. Repeated failure to attempt homework should be referred to the Head of Department, who may refer the student to the Head of Year via the referral procedure.
Guidelines
- KS3 – Approximate 30 minutes per task per night
- KS4 – Between 30 and 40 minutes per task per night
Planners
Every pupil in school has a Planner. Consistent use of these is an essential feature of Teaching and Learning routines at the school. In addition to providing a record of homework and merits, they are also a crucial part of the Home-School partnership and form a vital link between the pupil, the parents and staff. All pupils are issued with planners at the beginning of the school year. There are a number of different sections in these planners, but the main part includes a diary. In this section, pupils are expected to record the homework they have been set by their teachers.
Homework is set:
For children to practise, reinforce and extend work that is taught in class;
- To enable teachers to find out whether or not pupils have understood the lesson;
- To help children develop skills of independent time management;
- To develop a strong work ethic.
Homework tips for Parents/Carers
Establishing a homework routine at home:
- Step 1. Find a location in the house where homework will be done. Some children prefer working quietly and work best at a desk in their bedroom. Other children are easily distracted and will need to work by the dining room table or in the kitchen, so that parents can help keep them stay on task and answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location.
- Step 2. Make sure there is a clear workspace large enough to set out all the materials necessary for completing assignments. Try to ensure your child has access to various stationery such as pencils, pens, highlighters, rulers, scissors, a dictionary and thesaurus, glue, a calculator, and where possible, a computer or laptop.
- Step 3: Sit down with your child regularly and look through their planner. Help them learn how to manage their time and organise extended pieces of writing.
- Step 4. Establish a homework time. Your child should get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. The time may vary depending on the individual child. Some children need a break right after school to get some exercise and have a snack. Others need to start homework while they are still in school mode (i.e., right after school when there is still some momentum left from getting through the day). In general, it may be best to get homework done either before dinner or early in the evening.