Homework is one of our learning habits. Students perform at their best when their school studies are supported and encourage at home. This is why it is so important for us to work in partnership with our parents and carers.
Students are provided with a homework diary in which they must record their homework. It is the responsibility of each student to complete their homework. Sanctions are in place for homework that is not submitted.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
English, Maths and Science all have 1 piece of homework per week, which should taken about 20-30 minutes to complete.
History, Geography, and Languages should have 1 piece of homework per fortnight, which should take about 20-30 minutes to complete.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
English, Maths and Science all have 1 piece of homework per week, which should taken up to 1 hour to complete.
All chosen options should have 1 piece of homework per fortnight minimum, which should take up to 1 hour to complete.
Homework may include:
1. Reading tasks: These are set with the purpose of extending students’ wider knowledge and understanding of what is being taught within lessons. Students will read a range of different texts such as news articles, fiction, and non-fiction to build on their cultural capital.
2. Knowledge Organisers: Students will be set a number of facts to revise from a knowledge organiser. This will be tested through low stakes quizzes on Teams whilst also being tested repeatedly within lesson to secure essential knowledge.
3. High challenge, low stakes testing: Students will be set low stakes challenges that will make them think hard about essential key knowledge. These may take the form of hinge questions or multiple choice tasks to allow the teacher to address any misconceptions. Low stakes testing will also be set on key vocabulary that students have learnt in class to continue to support students gaining a rich and varied vocabulary.
4. Vocabulary Testing: Students will be tested on their vocabulary, their knowledge of word meanings and use in context in all subjects.
5. Formal testing via Exam Questions/Extended writing: Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a formal way in the form of an exam question or exam task. This allows students to practice specific skills alongside demonstrating their secure knowledge.
By focusing on these specific homework tasks, we are providing students with the chance to get the material to ‘stick together’ and become coherent. Students are being challenged to move essential knowledge from their short term memory to their long term memory. This has been planned specifically to allow maximum knowledge retrieval in order to secure success.