The Academy, Selsey
Homework Policy
Date Policy Issued | September 2023 |
Policy Review Date | September 2024 |
Adopted by the LGB | September 2023 |
Policy Owner | Jemima Toone |
The Academy believes that a good, well-managed homework programme helps our students to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful lifelong learning.
Homework is highly beneficial because it helps develop these skills:
- To enable students to manage their time and work to set deadlines
- To practice the skills they have learnt in the classroom and develop their independence and resilience
- To prepare for knowledge tests, big assessments and their GCSE Examinations.
- To enable students to embed class-based learning, securing knowledge retention and consolidating understanding.
- To develop and build skills of effective research, creativity and encourage reading, often in preparation for a new topic or theme.
Aims
- To reinforce curricular objectives and learning outcomes by setting productive and thought-provoking tasks or activities.
- To create a strong partnership between home and school.
- To familiarise parents/carers with the nature of class work, the curriculum and how to encourage full participation from students.
- To utilize Passion Projects to drive a love of learning and boost cultural capital.
Role of the Teachers
Teachers must:
- integrate homework into their planning;
- set interesting, thoughtful and productive tasks or activities;
- set homework appropriate to each student's needs and abilities;
- explain when, what and how the work is to be done so that each student clearly understands;
- provide feedback in line with the marking and feedback policy;
- not give an excessive amount of homework.
Role of Parents/Carers
Parents/carers are asked to:
- sign the home-school agreement indicating their support for homework;
- praise the value of homework to their children;
- provide a suitable, well-lit and comfortable space in their home where their children can concentrate on their homework or encourage attendance to homework in-school club;
- provide materials such as paper, pens, pencils, etc. within this space;
- try and find time to work with their child or be at hand if a problem arises;
- discuss, encourage and praise their child’s efforts;
- contact the school if they are not sure of some aspect of the homework or if their child is experiencing difficulties in doing it;
- try to ensure all electronic devices are turned off including the television before beginning homework;
- try and go through the homework before their child starts it and discuss the completed work when finished;
- read with (or to) their children every day;
Role of Students
Students are asked to:
- complete their homework and hand it in on time;
- make sure they understand what is asked of them;
- complete an annual evaluation regarding homework for the school to monitor and evaluate;
- make sure they get feedback on their homework;
- highlight to the school council any ideas they may have to improve homework.
Types of Homework
All homework tasks and activities are designed to consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding in numeracy and literacy. It will be added to Class Charts and links, documents etc
Whole School (all year groups)
Passion Projects
Year 7 and Year 8
Maths: Sparx
English: Homework Booklets
All subject CAF preparation and revision
Year 9
Maths: Sparx
English: Homework Booklets
Science: SENECA
All subject CAF preparation and revision
KS4
Maths: Sparx
English: Homework Booklets and SENECA
Science: SENECA
Options: SENECA, Department
Time Allocation
We recommend the following time allocation:
KS3 | KS4 |
Minimum two hours per week (plus reading) | Minimum four hours per week (plus reading) |
Support for Completing Homework
We have an out of school hours homework club that:
- offers a place for children to work in supervised and a supportive environment;
- provides vital support for children who do not otherwise have the help they may need;
- provides a safe, supportive and productive student meet-up to assist students in completing their homework.
Feedback
All children receive prompt feedback on their homework in a variety of forms such as:
- verbal;
- written;
- class discussion;
- whole class feedback;
- reward points;
- praise and recognition during an achievement assembly.
Parents/carers are asked to:
- give teachers any feedback they feel might be useful;
- encourage their children to talk about the feedback they have received;
- contact the school if they have any concerns.