Homework

The three key reasons why we believe in the value of homework:

1. Progress - The Educational Endowment Foundation (EEF) states that effective homework can add up to an average of five months progress.
2. Learning - Learning does not fit neatly into school periods; students need time to absorb and reflect on what they have learned in class.
3. Closing the gap - Homework supports those students who may have limited access to cultural capital at home.

How much homework is appropriate?

We believe that the purpose of homework and the type of homework we set is far more important than the amount. However, on a sliding scale from Year 7 to Year 13, amounts will vary between one to two hours in total, per night (more for older students).

How often should homework be issued?

The general rule is ‘2-for-1’: for every two lessons, one homework task should be given.
The tasks will obviously vary in difficulty, nature and length to reflect different expectations (ability and age group) and time (the point in the unit and the point in the school year).

What do we mean by effective homework?

Like assessment, homework should be motivating, manageable and meaningful. This should consolidate the learning that has taken place or help prepare for the learning to come.

How should homework be assessed?

Not every task has to be written or marked. Peer or self-assessment eases the teacher’s marking load and help them to focus on intervening where necessary. The teacher will check homework has been completed.

Examples of homework that may not require marking by the teacher might include: short mark tests; research and note-taking; watching a clip and feeding back in the lesson; annotating; mind-mapping; creating revision resources (like cue cards); improving or editing work.

Sanctions

If a student misses a homework task, they are given a ‘negative’ on SIMS. If a child has three or more negatives in a week, they will attend an hour detention with a Senior Leader after school on Friday.
Subject Leaders and Directors of Learning will also monitor homework completion on SIMS and will inform parents if there is persistent non-completion.

We use ‘Show My Homework’ to issue homework to all students. Please see our website if you need more information regarding how this system works.