Homework

We believe that homework plays an important part in the learning and development of all our students, and we set it as a matter of good educational practice. We deem that homework is such a vital area of study that it positively affects attainment and helps students to fulfil their potential. It is because of this that we ask parents/carers to support us in seeing that homework is properly completed to the best of their child’s ability, we use Satchel One to support the setting and tracking of homework.

The weekly expectations of our students are as follows:

Key Stage 3

Up to 55 minutes per day (Mon – Fri)

Key Stage 4

Up to 90 minutes per day (Mon – Fri)

Sparx Maths

Students who spend less than 45 minutes of active learning time on Sparx Maths must submit 100% task completion.

85% task completion will be accepted if a student has spent 45 minutes or more of active learning on Sparx Maths.

Maths

Year 10 students will be set Sparx maths homework, taking up to 45 minutes to complete.

Year 11 students will be set an exam style paper taking up to 90 minutes to complete.

Sparx Reader

Students choose a book that is appropriate to their reading age. Each week, the English Department will set them a homework to achieve a minimum of 250 Sparx Reader points. They read pages of their chosen book; this usually takes them about 25 minutes and then they will be asked comprehension questions on what they have read.

Literacy

Students are assigned an Educake literacy quiz, students spend between 10-15 mins completing this quiz, 70% pass rate is required.

English

Students will be set both GCSEpod tasks and Educake quizzes.

GCSEpod tasks taking up to 20 minutes to complete.

Educake quizzes taking up to 20 minutes to complete, 75% pass rate is required.

Sparx Science

Students who spend less than 30 minutes of active learning time on Sparx Science must submit 100% task completion.

85% task completion will be accepted if a student has spent 30 minutes or more of active learning on Sparx Science.

Science

Students who spend less than 60 minutes of active learning time on Sparx Science must submit 100% task completion.

85% task completion will be accepted if a student has spent 60 minutes or more of active learning on Sparx Science.

Masters of Knowledge

30 minutes of Masters of Knowledge work per day with the support of a knowledge organiser or 30 minutes subject specific related task.

RS & Option Subjects

Up to 60 minutes subject specific related task or 60 minutes of Masters of Knowledge work with the support of a knowledge organiser.

Sparx Homework

Sparx provides highly personalised homework that is tailored to each student’s attainment level and working speed. This ensures that homework is both achievable and challenging, while reinforcing key knowledge and skills. Most homework is based on recently taught topics, but some questions revisit previous learning to strengthen long-term understanding. Students complete their homework on their Sparx online account, where they receive immediate feedback and multiple attempts to succeed.

Key Stage 3 Students will be set

Sparx Maths homework each Wednesday and it is due each Tuesday.
Sparx Science homework each Thursday and it is due each Wednesday.
Sparx Reader and literacy quiz each Wednesday and it is due each Tuesday.

We believe Sparx will play an exciting and important role in supporting your child’s progress, confidence and enjoyment in Maths, English and Science.

Masters of Knowledge

Knowledge Organiser for each subject are shared with students either electronically or paper based. Masters of knowledge homework is designed to strengthen recall of essential knowledge. The Masters of Knowledge Booklet has a series of questions relating to the essential knowledge students need to know for each of their subjects. Students are encouraged to use both their knowledge organiser and masters of knowledge questions to further strengthen their recall of essential knowledge. Students have been taught how to use a knowledge organiser to support their learning.

Teachers are able to check student recall of this essential knowledge through a Masters of Knowledge quiz completed per half term.

Subject Specific Task

These will be set by class teachers for students, requiring them to complete work that will either consolidate knowledge or give students the opportunity to practise applying knowledge. This could take the form of work set on an online platform or an extended writing task such as an exam style question. Students should complete the work in their exercise books unless directed otherwise by their teacher.

Benefits of Homework

Homework benefits include improved academic performance through practice and reinforcement, development of key life skills like time management and discipline, and the promotion of independent learning and problem-solving. It also helps students build confidence, prepares them for exams, and offers the opportunity for parental/carer to engage in their child’s learning.

Homework engagement is celebrated through BESt, students and parents can monitor engagement through satchel platform and our reports.

Homework Support

If your child is struggling with their homework they must communicate this to their class teacher who will provide further guidance. If your child is still struggling after seeking help from their class teacher they could seek further help during our homework drop-in sessions or SEND homework Club.