Homework Guidance
Homework is a vital tool for building foundational knowledge through the systematic retrieval of key concepts and essential subject vocabulary. It bridges lessons by strengthening long-term memory, developing independent study habits, and preparing students for cumulative assessments. To be effective, consistency across all departments is non-negotiable. Little and often is the most effective approach.
Student Schedule
The schedule printed in student planners should be used as a suggestion for when students complete homework activities. Students can choose to follow the schedule or create their own schedule to fit their other commitments. Some students, such as those with additional needs, may need support in planning when their homework activities should be completed. Staff should signpost where support can be received (homework club / specific time to meet with staff / useful websites etc).
Staff should ensure homework is set as per the expected frequency, but do not need to ensure homework is set on the scheduled subject days.
KS4 Directed Reading / Independent revision / Revision
At critical times in KS4, teachers may set different lengths of homework or more frequent homework. At all times, homework serves the purpose of supporting in-lesson understanding and progress. The Directed Reading / Independent revision ‘session’ on the student calendar accounts for these additional expectations for KS4 students.
KS4 students are also expected to attend subject revision sessions (such as P5 revision). Teachers are aware of this – any homework activities set will be considerate of student demands for their revision sessions.
For all students, homework set leading up to assessment weeks / mock examination windows will only relate to the revision required for the exams being assessed.
Student Expectations
- Bring planner and equipment to school each day
- Place planner on the desk each lesson
- Write down homework activities in planner – include both the homework task and deadline date
- Complete homework activities before the deadline date – tick completed tasks off in your planner
- Good practice: Complete homework on the night you are allocated on the calendar, or the same day you receive it.
- Good practice: Utilise Homework Clubs or seek support from teachers before a deadline arrives.
Homework Setting Expectations – Frequency, Duration, Deadlines
Year Group | English, Maths, & Science | Other / Option Subjects | Expected Duration (Per Task) | Standard Deadline |
Y7, Y8, & Y9 (KS3) | Weekly | Fortnightly (All other subjects) | 20–30 minutes | 1 Week |
Y10 & Y11 (KS4) | Weekly | Fortnightly (The 3 GCSE Option subjects) | 30–40 minutes | 1 Week
|
In addition to regular timetabled homework, compulsory revision activities may be set leading up to:
| In-class assessments / Assessment weeks | Mock exam windows | The final Summer exam series |
How staff notify students
- In-Lesson Notification: Homework must be introduced and explained during the lesson. It should never be an afterthought shouted over the bell.
- Planner Entry: Teachers must allocate time in the lesson for all students to write the homework task and the exact deadline date into their physical planners.
- One-Week Deadline: Deadlines must be exactly one week from the day the homework is set. This gives students a full scheduling cycle to complete the work and seek help if needed.
Tracking, Rewards, and Sanctions
Consistency in enforcing the policy is paramount. Teachers are expected to monitor completion robustly using school systems.
- For Completion: Award CFPs promptly to students who complete their homework to a high standard.
- For Non-Completion: A single missed homework assignment should be challenged, and an extension granted. Staff should reiterate where support can be accessed (homework club, staff offer during school day, suggested help websites or revision books etc) and ensure students are supported in noting the new deadline in their planners. If a student still fails to submit the homework, or misses two or more homework deadlines in your subject, staff must issue a CFC.
Find out more
If you would like more information about our curriculum, please contact Mrs Smith, Headteacher using the details on our contact page.
