Homework

Homework plays an important part in helping students to consolidate learning, strengthen essential knowledge and vocabulary, develop independent study habits and prepare effectively for future learning and examinations.

Our approach is designed to ensure that homework is purposeful, manageable and closely linked to what students are learning in school.

What will homework look like?
Students in Years 7–11 will receive homework booklets each half term containing the key tasks they will be expected to complete. Homework will also be published on Class Charts, including clear instructions, deadlines and any resources needed.

Students in Years 12 and 13 will receive regular homework and directed independent study, including wider reading, revision, exam practice and preparation for future learning. Students will be provided with the resources and guidance needed to manage their independent study effectively.

Homework tasks may include:

retrieval and revision activities
reading and comprehension
practising key knowledge, vocabulary or skills
planning or completing written responses
exam-style questions
research or preparation for future learning
quizzes and other activities which support the main homework task

Digital platforms may be used to support homework, although online quizzes will not normally be used as the sole homework activity. Students will also be provided with knowledge organisers to help them review and practise important curriculum content.

How often will homework be set?
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9)
Students should normally receive at least one meaningful homework task per subject each fortnight.
English, Maths, Science and RE will normally set homework once each week.
Each homework task should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
Students should normally receive at least one meaningful homework task per subject each fortnight, with the amount of homework reflecting the curriculum time allocated to each subject. English, Maths and Science will normally set homework once each week. Each homework task should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)
Sixth Form students should complete approximately six hours of study outside lessons per fortnight for each subject. This includes formally set homework as well as wider independent study, reading, revision and preparation directed by subject teachers.

How is homework checked?
Homework does not always need to be formally marked by a teacher to be valuable.
Teachers will routinely check that homework has been completed and will use it to support subsequent learning. This might include:

a short retrieval quiz
class discussion
self-assessment or peer assessment
using homework preparation within the next lesson
reviewing misconceptions
applying previous homework to a new task

Teachers may provide individual written feedback where this is particularly useful, for example for extended writing or examination practice.

What are students expected to do?
Students should:

check Class Charts regularly
complete homework to the best of their ability
meet the deadlines set by their teachers
use the resources provided to support their learning
speak to their teacher as soon as possible if they are unsure about a task or need additional help

Establishing these routines helps students become increasingly independent and prepares them for the demands of GCSE, Sixth Form and further study.

What happens if homework is not completed?
Teachers will always follow up homework that has not been completed.
Students may be asked to complete the missed homework or an alternative task where the original learning opportunity has passed.

Where homework is missed repeatedly, parents or carers will be contacted and additional support may be put in place. Where necessary, concerns may also be referred to the relevant Head of Department or pastoral team.

Homework concerns and follow-up actions are recorded through Class Charts so that students receive consistent support across school.

What support is available?
We recognise that some students may need additional help in developing effective homework routines.
Students may be invited or directed to attend homework club, supervised study or other structured support sessions. These provide:

a quiet place to work
access to appropriate resources
support with organisation
help establishing effective study routines
additional opportunities to complete outstanding work

This support may be particularly helpful for students who find independent study difficult or who have limited access to suitable resources at home.

How do we make sure homework is effective?
Heads of Department and senior leaders regularly review the quality and consistency of homework across the school.

Departments will ensure that homework is:

closely linked to the curriculum
helping students remember important knowledge and develop key skills
accessible while still providing appropriate challenge
being completed consistently
used effectively by teachers to inform future learning

Student feedback is also used to help us evaluate how well homework is working and identify where further support or improvements may be needed.