Homework

Homework is carefully planned and sequenced to support pupils’ progress through the curriculum. It is designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those who are disadvantaged and students with special educational needs.

All homework has a clearly identified purpose that is explicitly shared with pupils.

• At Key Stage 3, homework tasks are designed to cement learning. They focus on consolidating, embedding and strengthening pupils’ understanding of the concepts and materials covered in lessons. Task will be limited to learning, revising, quizzing, practising, and reading activities. Very occasionally (no more than once per term), some departments will set key pieces of homework. These pieces will be formally marked and returned to students.
• At Key Stage 4, homework tasks are designed to cement and apply learning. In additional to consolidation style activities, tasks may focus on the application of knowledge and skill (for example through exam practice), the completion of coursework, and the development of independent study habits.
• At Key Stage 5, homework tasks are designed to cement, apply, deepen and extend learning. In addition to the kinds of tasks set in Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils may be asked to conduct independent research, prepare for subsequent lessons (for example through flipped learning activities), undertake wider reading, and engage with a wide variety of independent learning materials.

All pupils are expected to complete all homework in full. Each homework task is therefore designed to be manageable, both in terms of time and level of challenge. Homework is also proportionate to pupils’ stages of learning and levels of ability.

• At Key Stage 3 (up to 4 hours 20 minutes per week):
  • homework tasks will be simple and straightforward
  • in total, the tasks set for one piece of homework will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete
  • pupils may receive up to two pieces of homework per week for English and Maths, and up to one piece for all other subjects
  • teachers will only set homework when it is required – homework might not be set every week for all subjects
  • where homework is set, it will be set on the days outlined in the homework timetable
  • pupils are given one week (or very occasionally longer) to complete homework tasks
• At Key Stage 4 (up to 6 hours 30 minutes per week):
  • homework tasks may be more complex
  • in total, the tasks set for one piece of homework will take no longer than 30 minutes to complete
  • for English and Maths, pupils receive up to two pieces of homework per week. For all other subjects, pupils receive either one piece of homework taking up to 30 minutes to complete, or two smaller pieces of homework taking a combined total of up to 30 minutes to complete
  • teachers will only set homework when it is required – homework might not be set every week for all subjects
  • homework is set on the days outlined in the homework timetable
  • pupils are given one week (or very occasionally longer) to complete homework tasks
  • pupils are expected to undertake at least 1 hour of independent weekly revision work or coursework in addition to the homework set by their teachers. This may be directed by RS and option subject teachers where appropriate
• At Key Stage 5:
  • homework tasks may be significantly more demanding
  • other than for exam questions/practice, the tasks set for one piece of homework will normally take no longer than 1 hour to complete
  • as a guide, pupils may receive up to three pieces of homework per week for each of their chosen subjects
  • teachers will only set homework when it is required – 3 pieces of homework may not be set every week for all subjects
  • pupils are given at least two full days (e.g. set Monday, due Thursday) to complete homework tasks
  • as a guide, pupils are expected to undertake at least 3 hours of independent weekly study/revision work in addition to the homework set by their teachers

Where pupils are unable to complete the work within the time frame suggested by their teacher, they should indicate the time taken to complete what they have done at the end of their work and stop. Pupils with access arrangements may wish to apply any ‘extra time’ measures in line with their normal way of working.

Teachers check and review every piece of homework that pupils complete. All departments have designed bespoke mechanisms to check that all homework has been completed and that it meets the expected standards. Where possible, teachers use low-workload systems for reviewing the quality of pupils’ work. These include the use of IT platforms such as Dr Frost and Satchel quizzes, internal knowledge/skills testing mechanisms, follow-up classwork tasks and mark-free reading. More substantial pieces of homework, for example essay responses, are marked more deeply, in line with departmental practices.

Pupils are held to account for the quantity, quality and timeliness of the work that they produce. Teachers use Bromcom to record instances where homework has not been completed, is incomplete or fails to meet the expected standards. In the first instance, a ‘monitor’ mark is recorded. A negative homework mark is recorded for any subsequent infringements.

Feedback is provided for all homework through a wide variety of approaches including, but not limited to, whole class feedback, follow-up tasks in lessons, follow-up tasks through subject-specific platforms, and written and verbal feedback.

Homework can provide a significant challenge for many pupils, particularly for those who are disadvantaged and students with special educational needs. All set homework is accompanied by the necessary support to ensure that pupils of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are able to access and complete the work. The following support measures are in place for all set homework:

• All homework is communicated through Satchel, outlining the purpose of the task, the task itself, the estimated time taken to complete the task, the date the work was set, the due date, any required resources and the method by which the work should be handed in
• All homework is also explained/outlined during lesson time, providing an opportunity for pupils to ask questions
• Homework is carefully tailored to the abilities of the pupils for whom it is set
• All resources are provided in PDF format to ensure access through a wide variety of devices, including mobile phones
• All pupils have access to internal homework support and IT facilities through the lunchtime Key Stage 3 and 4 homework clubs and the 6^th form study spaces
• Pupils struggling to access homework at home are able to contact their Head of Year, who will provide the relevant support
• Pupils struggling with the level of challenge in their homework may seek support from their class teacher (well in advance of the deadline)
• Pupils are not expected to spend longer than the estimated completion time on any piece of work - they may note the time they have taken on the task at the end of their work
• Support with independent revision work is available through the Head of Scholarship, and in the revision section of the library