Homework is important because it enables students to:

  1. Continue learning outside of the classroom
  2. Consolidate newly acquired knowledge, revise prior learning and practise skills
  3. Develop the self-discipline, perseverance and confidence to study independently
  4. Involve parents/carers in their learning

Students should spend the following amount of time completing their homework each evening: 

  • Years 7, 8 and 9 - one hour
  • Years 10 and 11 - between one and two hours
  • Years 12 and 13 - minimum of two hours

The above timings are guidelines. In the lead-up to tests and exams, student must recognise that the more time they spend working independently, the greater their chance of success will be.

Parents and carers should provide a well-lit desk in a quiet area for students to complete their homework. Students can also study in the school library after school each day. Parents and carers should ask to see their child’s homework before it is handed in. Parents should discuss the work with their child, ensure neat presentation and support the child in checking their work for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Homework takes two forms:

1. Revision of knowledge

Students are given a hard copy of a knowledge organiser every half term. Every week in every subject, students  will be directed to learn specific parts of their knowledge organisers by heart. This learning is then tested as a ‘Do Now’ activity at the start of the next lesson. Students are also expected to continually revise previouslylearned knowledge. This is tested in end-of-term cumulative knowledge tests.

2. Pre-planned homework tasks

Examples of useful homework tasks include:

  • Pre-reading (‘flipped learning’)
  • Extended writing
  • Independent practice
  • Practice exam questions
  • Further reading 

Homework tasks should be designed to take the following amount of time for students to complete each week:

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

English, Maths and Science: 

45 minutes per week*

 

Other subjects: 

30 minutes per week

English, Maths and Science: 

1.5 hours per week*

 

Other subjects: 

1 hour per week

All subjects: 

 

3 hours per week*

 

 

*This may be broken down into a series of shorter tasks