Homework
Rationale
“Homework is not an optional extra, but an essential part of a good education.” – 1999 White Paper, Excellence in Schools
Homework is work that is set to be done outside the timetabled curriculum. It contains an element of independent study in that it is not usually directly supervised by a teacher. It is important in raising student achievement.
Not all homework needs to be completed at home. For some students who find it hard to work at home, or for some tasks which may require resources (books, software, equipment) more readily available at school, Meteor Club runs every day where support is available.
Homework enhances student learning, improves achievement and develops students’ study skills and as such is an integral part of the curriculum. It requires careful planning and integration into the scheme of work of each curriculum area. Homework is set and should be recorded in the student’s planner.
Aims
Homework enables students to:
- consolidate and extend work covered in class or prepare for new learning activities
- access resources not available in the classroom.
- develop research skills.
- have an opportunity for independent work.
- show progress and understanding.
- provide feedback in the evaluation of teaching.
- to enhance their study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline.
- to take ownership and responsibility for learning.
- engage parental co-operation and support.
- create channels for home school dialogue
Expectations: How much and by whom? Below is a guide:
Key Stage 3
| Time per week | ||
| Subject | Year 7 | Year 8 |
| English | 2 x 30 mins | 2 x 30 mins |
| Maths | 2 x 30 mins | 2 x 30 mins |
| Science | 2 x 30 mins | 2 x 30 mins |
| Geography | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| History | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| MFL | 30 mins | 30 mins |
Key Stage 4
| Time per week | |||
| Subject | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| English | 2 x 45 mins | 2 x 60 mins | 2 x 60 mins |
| Maths | 2 x 45 mins | 2 x 60 mins | 2 x 60 mins |
| Science | 2 x 45 mins | 2 x 60 mins | 2 x 60 mins |
| Other subjects | 1 x 45 mins | 1 x 60 mins | 1 x 60 mins |
National average
| Year 7 & 8 | = 45-90 minutes a day |
| Year 9 | = 60 – 120 minutes a day |
| Year 10 & 11 | = 90 – 150 minutes a day |
The role of the Parents/Carers
The role of the parent/carer is crucial if a child is to gain success from homework. To reinforce its value through positive feedback will give students the confidence to persevere, work hard and reach high standards of achievement.
Parents/carers can assist by:
- Providing a quiet and clear place to work.
- Negotiating with their child when homework is to be done.
- Checking the time spent on individual tasks.
- Checking the student planner and Show My Homework for homework set and deadlines
- Signing the homework planner each week
- Ensuring that outside clubs do not hamper a child’s quality of work and put a child under undue pressure.
- Checking presentation, spelling and content of all homework being returned to academy.
- Testing them on the work that has been set; listen to them read aloud what they have written; and ask them to explain what they are currently studying.
- Providing the academy with information about any problems through the student planner or by contacting the academy directly.