Home Learning
KS3
All Students Are Encouraged to Learn Independently
The student homepage gives students and families access to the subject home pages. Most subjects have tasks online or links to external sites that enable students to do their own research and practise their skills.
There is also a link to Sparx Maths which mean that homework can always be done every evening. In addition, there are sites such as BBC Bitesize which provide useful work, skills practice and information.
Subject staff will always give students guidance on independent learning for their subject. This type of work is highly recommended in KS3, and essential for all students studying GCSEs.
Students’ Responsibilities:
- To record all homework set in their planner (this information will also be available on Class Charts);
- To complete all homework set to a good standard and to submit it on time;
- To seek clarification/help (if needed) before the deadline.
Teachers’ Responsibilities:
- To set homework regularly;
- To post all homework set on Class Charts;
- To ensure deadlines are clear to all students;
- To adapt homework where necessary;
- To ensure that homework is checked
Parents’ Responsibilities:
- To take an active role to ensure all homework is completed as set;
- To provide a suitable environment for completion of all homework;
- To monitor homework and sign student planners weekly.
Below is an overview of what departments will set for homework at KS3.
English
Sparx Reader - 300 points (roughly 30 minutes) a week.
Flipped Learning Tasks (3 per half term) to enable students to begin acquiring knowledge and concepts on future topics in the subject. Students are expected to spend 30 minutes on each task.
Maths
A one-hour Sparx task is set each week. Students must aim to complete the task and achieve 100% or have spent a minimum of one hour completing the work. Students will also be set revision tasks to complete from time to time. Students are also encouraged to complete the two optional tasks (Target and XP Boost) to extend their learning.
Science
30 mins every fortnight - this would increase in the build up to assessments.
Art & Design
Two project-based tasks per half term (1-2 hours each)
Computer Science
30 min per week
Design & Technology
For every rotation one piece of homework is issued and we rotate twice in one academic year.
The time allocated to complete the homework is 1 hour.
Geography
Extended tasks set (1-2 hours), 2 per half term
History
Medium tasks set once a fortnight. Occasionally it will be a bigger task for longer - such as a practical task, e.g. making castle models.
MFL
One Pearson Active Learn task set every three lessons.
Performing Arts - Dance & Drama
Homework set as appropriate
Performing Arts - Music
Project based tasks on the half termly topic
PE
Homework set as appropriate
RE
One piece of homework per module. The main focus of homework is preparation for assessments
Please note:
- Subjects do vary their pattern from time to time depending on the type of work being done in the lesson. Please use the pattern above as a guide only.
Subject Amount of homework per fortnight – in minutes
This is a guide to the amount of homework that should be set over a two-week period for each subject. Support and guidance on homework completion for student are available online through department sites.
|
Subject |
Key Stage 3 |
|
English |
90 |
|
Mathematics |
120 |
|
Science |
30 |
|
Art & Design |
as appropriate |
|
Computer Science |
30 |
|
Design & Technology |
as appropriate |
|
Geography |
60 |
|
History |
30 |
|
MFL |
60 |
|
Performing Arts - Dance |
as appropriate |
|
Performing Arts - Drama |
as appropriate |
|
Performing Arts - Music |
as appropriate |
|
PE |
as appropriate |
|
RE |
as appropriate |
Key Stage 4
All GCSE subjects will require homework to be done as an essential part of your learning for controlled assessments and examinations. Most students will need to do 5 or more hours per week of study at home to fulfil their potential academically. At key times of year (e.g. examinations) you will need to allow more time than this.
Students and families should seek the advice of their Head of Year if you feel too much, or too little homework is being done. Subject teachers will also assist with homework difficulties.
Subject Amount of homework – in minutes
This is a guide to the amount of homework that should be set for each subject. Support and guidance on homework completion for student are available online through department sites.
|
Subject |
Key Stage 4 |
|
English |
90 per fortnight including revision activities |
|
Mathematics |
A one-hour Sparx task is set each week. |
|
Science |
30 mins every fortnight - this would increase in the build up to assessments. |
|
Art & Design |
as appropriate |
|
Computer Science |
60 per week |
|
Design & Technology |
30 per week |
|
H&C |
30 per week |
|
H&SC |
30 per week |
|
Geography |
60 |
|
History |
30-45 per week |
|
MFL |
30-45 per week |
|
Performing Arts - Dance |
Homework is set when linked to coursework and research etc. |
|
Performing Arts - Drama |
Homework is set when linked to coursework and research etc. |
|
Performing Arts - Music |
30 per fortnight |
|
Business Studies |
30-45 minutes per week. 1 knowledge recall task; 1 research/comprehension task |
|
GCSE PE |
60 per fortnight including revision activities, |
|
Sports Studies |
60 per fortnight including coursework and revision activities. |
|
RE |
30 per fortnight. |