Homework Policy

HOMEWORK POLICY

The Purpose of Homework

Homework is an essential component of learning, as it constitutes any activities that students are set to complete outside the timetabled curriculum. It is important as it contains an element of independent study and is not completed under the direct supervision of a teacher or member of staff. As such it provides a chance to consolidate learning, at others times to deepen it, and at other times to extend the learning that has taken place in lessons. As such it is a vital component in raising achievement.

Homework enables students to:

 Consolidate and extend their learning and so enhance their attainment progress.

 Develop their skills in working independently without the constant presence of a teacher.

 Use materials and access other resources that are not always available in the classroom.

 Involve parents and others in their learning.

 Carry out long-term research and independent enquiry.

 Take ownership and responsibility for learning.

 Develop their organisational skills in working to deadlines and following a clear rubric.

The nature of the homework Each curriculum area will have a homework policy that specifies the operation of homework/home learning in their area, following these overall aims. However, homework should:

- be relevant and provide a link between learning in the classroom and the outside world. - Include an element of independent study. - Be sufficiently challenging for students at different levels of ability, and so appropriately differentiated. - Include an element of choice and decision making on the part of the student. - Be varied.

We need to collate examples of the most effective homework. How does the school help students organise their homework?

Each student is given a Planner at the beginning of the year which contains a homework timetable. For Key Stage 3 the night that certain subjects is set is pre- determined. In Key Stage 4 the staff will agree the night(s) that homework will be set and will get students to note this in their planners. In Key Stage 5 for every hour of teaching time students will receive an hour of homework.

Students use their planner to note what the homework for each subject will be, what the expectations are and when it is due in. This is a key way for staff and students to check the completion of homework.

Key Stage 3 Expectations

Subject Year 7 Year 8 Maths 2 2 English 2 2 Science 2 2 Geography 1 1 History 1 1 Art 1 1 Drama* 1 1 Music* 1 1 Dance† 1 1 Technology 1 1 MfL 1 1 PSHE 1 every two weeks 1 every two weeks Computer Science 1 1 Homeworks should be approximately 30 minutes long in Year 7 8 hours a week on 8 hours a week on & 8. average average Homeworks should be 40 minutes long in Year 9.

* Three written homeworks will be set each half term, with others being practical. The homeworks on the timetable indicate when homework could possibly be set – although it may not be set every week.

† One practical homework will be set each week.

Key Stage 4 Expectations It is expected that students should have between 60 and 90 minutes of homework per homework per subject each week in Years 9, 10 and 11. They will get two pieces of homework in English, Maths and Science each week and one homework in all other subjects.

Staff should agree with classes they teach in Years 9, 10 and 11 when homework will be set and get them to note this carefully in the appropriate page of the school planner. This agreement must take place in the first week of term and be recorded in the student planner. If longer term homework is being set – for example based on ongoing work on a project, or a research task - a note of what the homework should be over the consecutive weeks should be made in the planner.

Extended Enquiries In Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 we have introduced Extended Independent Enquiries which students should be set with clear deadlines. Weekly homework can and should contribute to this. In the early stages the enquiries will need to be carefully structured and homework should be clearly set to support students completing the wider research and enquiry.

These enquiries are designed to promote skills in independent research as well as the full range of Tallis Habits – inquisitiveness, collaboration, discipline, persistence and imagination. Students will receive guidance, and homework set each week will contribute to the final extended enquiry. The enquiries are designed to combine a authentic engagement with powerful ideas and knowledge, at the same time as encouraging students to do it for themselves, and collaborate with others beyond school – true learning at home or outside school hours.

Show my Homework The school uses an online platform called Show my Homework to communicate and share homework. All homework and home learning tasks are expected to be set using this platform, and checked in using it as well. This is so students and their parents/carers can fully engage with the learning being triggered outside of lessons.

Sanctions We expect completed homework to be given in on time. This gives students valuable experience of working to dead lines and facilitates staff with their marking schedules. If homework is not given in appropriate action is taken:

 The class teacher will have a discussion with the student to find out if there are good reasons for the failure to hand in the work – the tutor may be informed; a note will be made in the planner.

 The class teacher or tutor may contact the parents by phone.

 Students may be told to attend an after school session/detention o complete the work.

 The student may be asked to attend homework club on a regular basis to enhance the necessary skills required to successfully complete homework.

 If non-completion of homework becomes a pattern, then it may be appropriate to place the student 'on report'.

Rewards Students need an incentive to complete and give of their best in homework. This means that it needs to promptly checked and acknowledged by their teacher. At the same time we use a range of rewards for persistently good homework:

 Note in the planner providing positive feedback.

 Merits (Year 7 and 8)

 Commendations (Year 9-11)

Responsibilities

Role of Students  Listen to homework instructions in class.

 Write down instructions for the task and deadline date into their planner carefully and accurately

 Ensure that homework is completed and handed in to meet the deadline.

 Attempt all work and give of their best.

 Ask for help and support from their teacher if they have any difficulties.

Role of Parents  Check that homework details are filled in clearly and regularly in the homework diary. There is space there for regular signature.  Help your child organise his or her time to best advantage so that things are not all left to the last minute or even forgotten.  Try to make sure that there are suitable working conditions at home.  Take a positive and active interest in your child’s work at home rather than just insisting that it is done.  Let us know if there are problems with homework that you cannot resolve. Perhaps your child seems to be doing too much, or not enough, or is finding it too easy or too difficult. Contact the class teacher/tutor in the first instance who will be glad to help.

Role of Tutor  To see that homework is being set and recorded (weekly).

 To check that the planner is being signed by the parent/guardian.

 To note and respond to any comments written in planner by parents

Role of Subject Teacher  Set homework according to the agreed homework timetable.

 Provide clear stimulus and guidance about the homework.  Give full and comprehensive instructions.

 Set deadlines for completed work and ensure that they are met.

 Check and return all homework promptly – clearly indicating a date and acknowledgement of the homework.

 Provide help and support.

 Inform their Curriculum Leader, the Tutor and Pastoral Leader, as appropriate, when problems arise.

Role of Curriculum Leaders  Enhance the quality and consistency of homework across their curriculum area.  Monitor and evaluate the impact of the homework policy within their curriculum area.

Role of Senior Leadership  Provide staff, pupils and parents with the necessary homework documentation.  Develop classroom practice to enhance homework across the school.  Review annually the school homework policy.  Monitor and evaluate the school homework policy.

Homework Club

Accepting that some students do not have suitable conditions at home in which to do their work, the school has arranged for the Library to be open each day from 8.15 a.m. until school starts and from the end of afternoon school at 3.15 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. The Homework Club offers students at lunchtime and after school support from staff and volunteers. A Breakfast Club also now offers support and sustenance before school. (For more information, see Kate Preston, Study Support Co-ordinator). More students could be trained in the habit of using these facilities if more homework assignments were set which virtually compelled library use. Many teachers also invite students to use their classrooms after school; students tackle their homework while the teachers do their marking.