Homework
Blatchington Mill Homework Policy
Why do we set homework?
At Blatch we want our students to have high expectations of their own learning, and understand their responsibility in fulfilling these. This learning should take place both in the classroom and at home. To support this aim we will provide high quality homework and also help develop student resilience and support independent learning.
From studying the research:
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We believe that the most effective homework is high quality and connected to the learning already taking place in the classroom.
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We understand that homework, when planned effectively, can have a positive impact on both student achievement and character.
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We know that homework tasks need to have the right level of challenge and cover a range of different types of homework within each subject and across year groups
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Homework should include both guided and independent practice, development of vocabulary and literacy, retrieval practice and revision
What type of homework are students set?
Homework activities will include but are not limited to the items below. This is based on research of effective practice to support students retention of taught content and development of subject specific skills and knowledge.
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Reading and vocabulary e.g. Summarising texts & learning key word lists
We know that learning both within the classroom and at home is crucial for increasing the breadth of children and young people’s vocabulary. This background knowledge is essential for understanding and comprehension of new material. -
Guided practice e.g. Videos / explanations of modelled tasks followed by tasks to complete
We know that once we have presented new material we need to practice it if it is going to be remembered. Homework will also include guided practice using scaffolds or models presented in class and continued at home. -
Independent practice e.g. Exam practice & rehearsal questions / tasks
Students need extensive successful, independent practice in order for knowledge and skills to become automatic. Homework will therefore also include opportunities for independent practice once students have a clear idea of what the task is and how to complete it. Students will need guidance on independent practice and we would expect to see an increase in independent practice as students move through their time at Blatch. -
Retrieval practice e.g. Memorisation tasks, making flash cards, concept-mapping
Effective homework links to what we know about memory and pedagogy i.e. retrieval practice so some of the tasks will include retrieval practice. -
Revision e.g. watching video tutorials / reading information and practising exam questions
Understanding how to revise, how to retain / embed knowledge and how to apply that knowledge in answering questions should also be part of our homework (not just for KS4).
We will ensure that students receive feedback on their homework. This feedback could be whole class, individual, self assessed or peer assessed.
How much homework should be set?
Our research suggests that focus should be on the quality of what is set, not duration or quantity. For this reason we do not have a blanket approach that establishes the amount of time or frequency with which students should do homework in each subject. Instead each subject has the autonomy, with guidance, to figure out when homework is more relevant and impactful and to set it then. Homework will be purposefully mapped out across our subject curriculums
How can you support successful engagement with homework?
In order to ensure that homework is as effective as possible we can all play our part.
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Teachers - will set high-quality homework, linked to schemes of learning and will give feedback on it.
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Students - will complete their homework to the best of their ability.
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Parents/carers - will take responsibility for providing the right environment and correct type of support to ensure homework is completed.
As parents / carers, please ensure your child has the right conditions (time, space, expectations) to complete the work. Students and parents can check what homework is set and when it is due on EDULINK (our homework portal).
We know that it is not always possible at home to provide the right environment and support so, where this is the case, we want students to be able to access these in school.
We have two spaces open every evening after school from 3 to 4.30pm for students to complete their homework. The RIC is available for KS3 students and the Open Learning Area for KS4 students. These are quiet spaces staffed by teachers and Chromebooks are available for student use.
Staff are there to support students' learning and to support understanding and completion of homework. They will liaise with subject staff and parents where necessary.
In School Provision
We know that it is not always possible at home to provide the right environment and support so we want students to be able to access these in school.
We have two spaces open every evening after school from 3 to 4.30pm for students to complete their homework. The RIC is available for KS3 students and the Open Learning Area for KS4 students. These are quiet spaces staffed by teachers and Chromebooks are available for student use.
Staff are there to support students' learning and to support understanding and completion of homework. They will liaise with subject staff and parents where necessary.
When will subjects set homework?
How long should homework last? |
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Below are suggested timings that allow students and parents/carers to know how long they are likely to be working on homework. This is a guideline so you know what is likely to be appropriate - working considerably over or under these timings is an issue and parents/carers will want to raise this with their child and then their teacher. This can be done on their @blatchingtonmill.org.uk email address.
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How frequently can you expect homework and what will be set? |
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Reading for interest |
Every student should be reading for interest at home weekly. In year 7-9 this should be a minimum of 1 hour per week. In year 10-11 students should be doing more. Reading is simply the best way to expand vocabulary and understanding that helps students decode more complex, adult texts, questions they will face in assessments and more generally be able to express themselves in a more advanced way. Ideally a mixture of fiction and non-fiction should be read. We support this in school with reading sessions during tutor times and every child in Year 7-9 is expected to bring their own reading book into school. |
Art |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Computing |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Design/ Textiles |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Drama |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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English |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Food |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Geography |
Year 7-9
Year 10 -11
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History |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Maths |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Media |
Year 10-11
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Languages |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Music |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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PE |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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PSHE |
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Religious Studies |
Year 7-9
Year 10-11
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Science |
Year 7-9
A mix of whole-class and individual digital feedback will be given. Year 10-11
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Sociology |
Year 10-11
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Work set for students who are absent
To ensure all our students who are absent are able to continue accessing their learning and receive feedback on their work we will:
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Ensure the lesson is uploaded to Google Classroom so students are able to access this from home - students will follow their normal timetable from home so lessons will need to be there as they’re happening live in school.
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Maintain contact with absent students through Google Classroom, including giving feedback on their work
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Alert the relevant YO if students miss work that is not caught up with after being reminded by their teacher and then followed up by the Head of Faculty/Subject