Homework

According to research by the Education Endowment Foundation, completing regular homework linked to classroom work has a positive impact on attainment of secondary age students of more than five months.

Students who regularly complete homework are nearly six months ahead of their peers who do not.

---

Why do we set homework?

Homework encourages pupils to develop the skills, confidence and motivation needed to study effectively on their own. It helps:

• To extend school learning, for example through additional reading and retrieval
• To consolidate, practise and reinforce skills and understanding developed at school
• To sustain the involvement of parents and carers in the management of students’ learning and keeping them informed about the work students are doing

Homework teaches students to work independently and develop self-discipline. Homework encourages students to take initiative and responsibility for completing a task. Homework allows parents to have an active role in their child's education and helps them to evaluate their child's progress.

---

Top reasons why homework is important

• It improves your child’s thinking and memory.
• It helps your child develop positive study skills and habits that will serve him or her well throughout life.
• Homework encourages your child to use time productively and organise themselves to meet deadlines.
• It teaches your child to work independently.
• Homework teaches your child to take responsibility for their work.
• It allows your child to review and practice what has been covered in class.
• It helps your child to get ready for the next day’s class.
• Homework helps your child learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials, and computer websites to find information.
• It encourages your child to explores subjects more fully than classroom time permits.
• It allows your child to extend learning by applying skills to new situations.
• It helps your child integrate learning by applying many different skills to a single task, such as book reports or science projects.
• Homework helps parents learn more about what your child is learning in school.
• It allows parents to communicate about what their child is learning.

---

How do we help students to organise their homework?

We place a considerable responsibility on our students to organise their homework sensibly. The library is an excellent space for any student who wishes to work on their homework at lunchtime or afterschool. Every Year 7-11 student should follow this homework schedule for completing the homework that has been set for their different subjects across the week. Students are expected to complete all set homework and should seek the support of their classroom teacher if they find homework too challenging. There is an overview of the homework expectations per Key Stage below:

Key Stage	Frequency per week (minimum)	Types of homework
KS3 (Y7-Y9)	English, Maths and Science: 1 hour Humanities and MFL: 30 mins Foundation subjects: half-termly project or 30 mins weekly	Preparation - prior learning/research for next content, wider reading. Consolidation - memorising facts/keywords/definitions, creating revision notes/cards, further practice of lesson content, use of online learning platforms such as Seneca Learning. Application - answering questions, extended writing, problem solving, open ended questions, case study questions. Half termly project - research projects, enrichment projects, creative homework, cross curricular projects.
KS4 (Y10-Y11)	English, Maths and Science: 1.5 hours Humanities and MFL: 1 hour Option subjects: 1 hour	Preparation - prior learning/research for next content, wider reading, critical reading. Consolidation - memorising facts/keywords/definitions, creating revision notes/cards, further practice of lesson content, use of online learning platforms such as Seneca Learning. Application - answering questions, extended writing, problem solving, open ended questions, case study questions, exam questions, online quizzes, exam papers.
KS5 (Y12-Y13)	Homework hours should match the allocated teaching time per week (e.g. A level = 5 hours, Diploma = 10).	Preparation - prior reading completed, watching video/documentaries to support wider learning, research (independent projects, case studies). Consolidation – producing and using Cornell notes, answer short comprehension questions, revisiting lesson content, extra reading (wider, further and critical), case studies, use of online learning platforms such as Seneca Learning. Application - practical assessments, presentations, experiments, exam preparation, essay practice, exam question practice, full timed paper practice. Attendance to additional sessions.

---

What is effective independent study?

This year our staff will be actively modelling a range of effective revision and independent study habits to students in each curriculum area. These active revision techniques that students are encouraged to use will work across subject areas, require minimal resources and are proven to be effective in supporting students to embed learning in their long term memory. 

The end goal is that we move our students from passengers in their learning to the pilots of their learning. This Parent Guide to Effective Revision has more information to guide parents in supporting their child with self-study strategies.

---

Microsoft Teams app 

Subjects will set all homework through Microsoft Teams. Students will have access via the Teams App or through their Microsoft 365 log in through an internet browser. Students can set notifications on their computer or device to receive information of set assignments and announcement from their teachers. Please contact the academy if you are having difficulties with IT or internet access at home.

Please download the Teams App.

• Apple and IOS 
• Android 

---

Parents and homework

Homework is an area where the partnership between school and parents can help your children. Parents can encourage their children to do their homework by showing an interest in what has been set. Click HERE for further guidance and support.