Homework

Rationale

Homework refers to learning tasks that students are provided by their teachers to be completed outside of lessons.

Homework is an essential part of a successful education and supports students’ ability to learn in a variety of contexts. It also provides students with the skills to become successful learners. On average, homework has a positive advantage (+5 months) in secondary schools (EEF, 2021). Homework should be an integral part of learning and is most effective when it is linked to learning in the classroom.

The nature of homework

Homework may include the following:

Revising for tests
Project work
Research tasks
Reading activities
Reflecting on and completing work begun in class
Extended writing activities
Recording/writing up practical work
‘Flipped learning’
Questions
Notes
Past papers

Setting and recording homework

Classroom teachers: will explain the homework task during lessons. It will then be recorded. Students will have access to the nature of the task and will receive information on the deadline and how to submit the task to their teacher.
Tutors: will remind their tutees of the importance of completing homework and help monitor whether homework is being completed.
Heads of Department: will ensure that homework tasks are being set and that they are appropriate and assist in students’ learning.
Senior Leadership Team: will ensure that there is a whole-school approach towards homework and will monitor the quality of homework through Quality Assurance, such as student voice. Parent views are welcomed and are acted upon.

Assessment

All home learning will be assessed and should be clear, focused and constructive. It can be done in the following ways:

Teacher feedback
Peer/self-assessment
Orally
By testing

Effectiveness of home learning

Homework tasks are planned and should not be completion of work. Homework should be set and clearly explained. Enough time should be set aside at the end of the lesson to clearly explain the tasks as to not discriminate against students with learning difficulties.
Students are clear about the purpose of the homework and how it will be assessed.
Students are provided with clear written instructions of the homework task, deadline and how to complete the work.
Tasks are structured, linked to the scheme of work and the purpose is clearly explained to the students.
The homework will include revisiting prior learning to ensure that subjects are developing students’ long-term memory.
There is consistent practice across the departments.
Homework is regular in order for students to know what is expected.
Homework is recorded on E-Praise.
Students, parents and carers are clear about what they need to do and what the outcomes will be.
Teachers have high expectations of students.