Mainstream
Homework Policy
2020/2021
Rationale
This policy has been produced on the information gathered from consultation with
parents, pupils and staff. It has also been based on government guidelines which
emphasise the importance of homework and how it helps children to learn.
Homework is important in raising student achievement and is work that is set to be
done outside the timetabled curriculum. It encourages independent study that is not
directly supervised by a teacher.
Homework should enhance pupils’ learning, improve their achievement and develop
their study skills.
The Purpose of Homework
The purpose of homework is to:
Help the student to revisit and reflect on work that has taken place in the
classroom, or to encourage further reflection by extending the school
curriculum
Enhance academic achievement by developing student skills such as selforganisation and self-discipline
Supplement what is currently being covered in the class, and may involve
recollection of data covered in class, or creation of a piece of work based on
guidelines by the teacher
Develop the home/school partnership
Expectations
Incentives
High quality homework and a good work ethos will be praised in class
Where appropriate, homework will be included in display work
Merits and rewards for achievement and sustained effort may be awarded for
good homework
For exceptional pieces of homework, a department letter or postcard may be
sent home
Sanctions
1. Class teacher
a. If there is not a reasonable attempt at homework, it will be recorded in
the homework tracker in the diary for parents/guardian to sign
b. Two incomplete homeworks in each class will result in departmental
detention
2.
No reasonable attempt at
homework
Sanction
3 Text home
6 Phone call home
9 Referral to Head of Year and
homework report issued
3. Year Head
a. Following referral, diaries will be monitored, identifying students with
homework problems across several departments
b. Parents may be invited in to discuss issues with regards to homework
c. Homework report issued
d. Facilitate compulsory attendance at homework club (Tuesdays and
Thursdays) until necessary improvements are made
Types of Homework
Homework can take a variety of forms, including:
Writing tasks;
Note-taking and writing up notes taken in lessons;
Reading;
Learning – for example: facts, vocabulary, spellings;
Completing controlled assessment;
Research;
Drawing or design work;
Preparing for discussions or presentations;
On-line learning;
Answering questions;
Completing worksheets;
Revising for tests and exams
Roles
The role of the pupil
To listen to homework instructions in class
To carefully copy down (or ensure that they have a copy of) instructions for
the task and deadline date into the homework diary
To ensure that homework is completed and handed in on the deadline
To attempt all work and give their best effort
To inform the class teacher of any difficulties
The role of the Form Teacher
To check that the homework tracker in diary is being signed by the
parent/guardian
To note and respond to any comments written in diaries by parents
To discuss with student to see if there are any issues
The role of the Class Teacher
To give full and comprehensive instructions
To set deadlines for completed work and ensure that they are met
To mark and return all homework
To provide help and support
To inform the Form Teacher when problems arise
To reward homework if necessary
The role of the Parent
To provide a quiet place to work
To check the time spent on individual tasks
To check the presentation and content of all homework being returned to
school
To sign the homework diary each week
To provide the school with information about any problems through the
homework diary or by contacting the school directly
To check the homework tracker
To support the school’s policy
In line with national expectations, on average a pupil should expect to
receive the following:
Years 8 & 9: between 45 – 120 minutes of homework per day
Year 10: between 60 – 120 minutes of homework per day
Years 11 & 12: between 90 – 150 minutes of homework per day
Pupils with SEN may have more individualised homework timetables
Reasonable adjustments may be necessary for some SEN pupils
Homework Club
To support pupils with homeworks, the Homework Club in room 85 is available every
Tuesday and Thursday from 3.15pm to 3.45pm. Pupils have access to computers
and are encouraged to use them. Teachers will also be available to encourage and
guide pupils.
Pupils who have been sent to homework club must:
Attend
Complete missed homeworks