Homework

Homework provides opportunities for pupils to practise their learning away from the direct support of teachers. When part of a whole school culture, homework can be essential to the learning process, with the potential to build schemas and strengthen connections within long-term memory. Research shows a strong connection between regular completion of homework and higher accomplishments in subjects such as English, Maths and Science. Homework can have a positive impact on average (+ 5 months), with pupils in secondary schools.

Overarching principles 

Homework should link to classroom learning and follow the following principles:

  • Embed - Consolidation of classroom learning into the long-term memory
  • Practice - Refining knowledge or procedures learnt in the classroom to build learning habits
  • Apply - Use learning from the classroom to complete a specific task
  • Extend - Move learning beyond what has been achieved by adding breadth to existing knowledge
Homework Should Homework Should Not
Revisit and learn substantive knowledge Require students to develop their own substantive knowledge base as they may get it wrong
Use information and materials that are readily available or provided Result in students spending time on a non-essential task rather than spending time on the meaningful aspect of the task – i.e. designing posters, open ended research
Reinforce and allow practice of previously taught skills in the classroom Require finishing off a classwork task
Be structured so that it is challenging without being overwhelming Be set for the next day
Allow students to work independently and self-regulate Be too challenging or require extensive parental support
Be acknowledged by the teacher in the lesson. To maximise impact, it also important that students are provided with high quality feedback on their work Go unrecognised

Online Platforms

Homework can be set on online platforms if the criteria fits with the guiding principles. There are a number of advantages that include; pre-existing courses and materials, instant feedback to students and records created so tracking is easier. The platforms used are:

For further information about these platforms please click on the videos below.

 

 

How Much Homework

Key Stage 3

Subject Frequency Suggested Time (Mins) Suggested Tasks to Meet Guided Principles
Core Once per week 30-40 Reading plus, comprehension, Hegarty/Sparks, Memrise, Seneca, retrieval practice, self-testing substantive knowledge and assignments testing prior learning (spaced learning).
MFL and Humanities Once per fortnight 30-40
All other subjects Once per week 30-40

 

Key Stage 4

Subject Frequency Suggested Time (Mins) Suggested Tasks to Meet Guided Principles
Core Once per week 40-60 Comprehension, Hegarty/ Sparks, Memrise, Seneca, retrieval practice, self-testing substantive knowledge, assignments testing prior learning (spaced learning), specific revision tasks and practice exam questions.
MFL and Humanities Once per week 40-60
All other subjects Once per week 40-60

Expectations

Students

  1. Record homework and due date in student planner
  2. Check Arbor for instructions and resources
  3. Attend homework club to access support / resources if necessary
  4. Speak to subject teacher if additional support is required in advance of deadline
  5. Try their best and complete work set
  6. Meet deadlines set for all homework

Teachers

  1. Plan meaningful homework which meets the guiding principles above
  2. Set homework in line with the homework timetable
  3. Set homework at the start of the lesson to allow sufficient time to record details and answer questions
  4. Use the student planner to record and set deadlines for the next week
  5. Use Arbor to communicate instructions, deadlines and resources
  6. Ensure students know where to access additional support from you if required
  7. Provide feedback which improve outcomes without increasing workload – marked in class; tested in class; quizzes; discussion, whole class feedback
  8. Acknowledge complete homework and reward where appropriate

Homework Timetables

Shown below are homework timetables for each year group.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Year 10 Year 11