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Ofsted

Homework

The purpose of homework

Students should see homework as an extension to the work done in the classroom and not just a task given for the sake of it.

It gives the opportunity to practise and develop the new skills learned in the classroom, to complete work started during the lesson, a time for structured revision and for thought and reflection on the lessons work. It can involve discovering new information through research. Students should realise that homework, in conjunction with classwork, when carefully completed, will improve school marks, examination grades, and, eventually, career prospects and should seek to produce work of their highest possible standard.

The self-discipline of working independently at homework tasks will be of considerable benefit as the student grows up.

The results of homework tasks can be used by the teacher to evaluate the effectiveness of the students classroom learning experience.

Principles to be applied to the setting and completion of homework

The tasks set for homework should be appropriate to the age and ability of the student and should be designed to extend or consolidate classroom activities.

  • Homework is an essential part of the school’s curriculum for all students. Students who do not make a satisfactory attempt to produce homework on time without good reason must expect some form of redress. Extra work or a detention, as appropriate, could be used to remind students of the importance of prompt completion of set tasks. Failure to keep up with examination coursework may adversely affect examination prospects. (ref. School Examination Policy).
  • Not setting homework should be regarded as the exception rather than the rule.
  • All homework and class work set should be marked and/or annotated and returned (where appropriate) to students within a reasonable time. If work is not marked and returned within one or two weeks then it is unlikely that our students will gain any benefit from it.
  • Notable achievements made by students should be recognised and could be recommended for formal commendation by Head of School, Deputy Head or Headteacher
  • It may be inappropriate or impossible to strictly apply this principle to the extended homework and coursework tasks set to our students in Years 10 and 11. It is, however, an expectation that these tasks will be regularly monitored as they proceed.

Monitoring the setting, completion and marking of homework

  • PARENTS should be encouraged to look regularly at exercise books and diaries to make themselves aware of the tasks their children are involved in. They should be encouraged to sign the diary every week and use the space provided to communicate any concerns about homework or any other matter to the form tutor.
  • SUBJECT TEACHERS should ensure that students are given a reasonable opportunity to record their homework tasks in their diaries and should check, whenever possible or appropriate, that this has been done.
  • FORM TUTORS should check weekly and acknowledge the entries in homework diaries paying particular attention to the completeness of entries and the parent’s signature of acknowledgement. The space provided should be used to communicate any concerns or other comments to the parents when necessary.
  • HEADS OF DEPARTMENT should be aware of the frequency and nature of tasks being set for homework within their department and should ensure that this policy is being followed. They will be supported by and responsible to the Deputy Head (Curriculum) in this task
  • HEADS OF LOWER/MIDDLE/UPPER SCHOOL will regularly monitor the diaries of selected students and form tutors should identify and recommend to the Head of Lower,/Middle/Upper School those students who would benefit from this additional monitoring. Heads of Lower/Middle/Upper School will be supported by and responsible to the Deputy Head (Curriculum) in this task.

Non-Completion of homework or failure to produce work of an appropriate standard

  • The teacher should invite the student to offer an explanation as to why the expected work has not been presented. At this time the teacher should also reflect upon the nature of the set task and the way in which it was set.
  • Following (1) it is likely that the task will be clarified and a new deadline set.
  • If the student fails to produce work following (2) then the subject teacher should arrange for the student to complete the task under appropriate supervision. Normally this will be the subject teacher. The student’s form tutor should be informed at this stage.

  • If arrangements under (3) fail to bring about satisfactory results then a formal detention should be arranged with DM. Further action will be taken by DM, HoSc or form tutor as necessary.

  • Where a student regularly fails to produce the required standards then it will be necessary to short circuit the above procedures (1) and (2) and go directly to (3) or (4).

Time allocation to homework tasks.

The time needed to complete a particular task will, of course, vary from one individual to another but, as a general rule, a student in year 7 should spend around 20-25 minutes on each task (1 hour 15 mins. per evening).
By year 9 the average task will be taking 30 - 35 minutes with an evening commitment of 1 hour 30 - 45 minutes. In years 10 and 11 Coursework will require a more flexible and self-managed approach to reflect tasks lasting around 45 mins and an evening commitment of 2 hours 15 - 30 mins.

pdf_iconKey Stage 3 Personal Study/Homework Subject Guidance

pdf_iconKey Stage 4 Personal Study/Homework Subject Guidance

 

  • It may be inappropriate or impossible to strictly apply this principle to the extended homework and coursework tasks set to our students in Years 10 and 11. It is, however, an expectation that these tasks will be regularly monitored as they proceed.

  • Time and/or support will be provided by the Head of Upper/Lower School as necessary to make this task practicable.