Homework

Intent

At All Saints we believe the rationale for the setting of homework is that it should enhance student learning, raise achievement and develop independent study skills. Homework can be either a ‘flipped’ approach to teaching allowing students to independently learn skills not yet taught in lessons thus maximising the learning time in future lessons or used as a method that assess students retention of previous knowledge by interleaving topics that have been studied in previous lesson which allows students to reflect on what they have learnt.  Homework forms a central component of the schemes of learning  in all subject areas and is given a high profile by teaching staff. Where necessary, homework will be used to  address gaps in learning. 

At All Saints Academy we understand that research indicates that homework is effective when it is set as a short and focused intervention; that is integral to learning and not an add on. Some studies show that homework can add up to eight additional months of progress which in turn can have a positive impact on attainment. To help structure this important aspect of their learning students will be issued with Knowledge Organisers for each subject.  Knowledge Organisers outline all the key knowledge needed in each subject area to be successful.  Students will be expected to use their Knowledge Organisers as well as other resources such as Seneca and Dr Frost Maths to support their completion of their homework task

Implementation

All homework will be set using Microsoft Teams, Teams allows documents and any key information to be attached in one place so that students have easy access.  Teachers will make students aware of any homework task that has been set and students will also be required to log into Teams on a daily basis to monitor and check any homework.  Students will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete their homework depending upon the task set, this will allow students to develop the skills needed to manage their workload effectively.

Students should:

• Listen carefully to the instructions given about the work set
• Ensure all homework is completed and handed in on time
• Complete all homework to the best of their ability
• Inform their teacher of any difficulties / request support as necessary, before the deadline

Parents should:

• Provide a peaceful, suitable place for students to work at home.
• Establish and help keep a homework routine
• Make it clear to students that they value homework, and point out the benefits of it
• Ask to see completed homework and encourage their child to complete this to the best of their ability
• Expect deadlines to be met and check that they are via Teams.

Teachers will:

• Provide detailed and clear instructions
• Record all homework on Teams
• Set deadlines for completed work and ensure that these are met
• Record all incidents of incomplete homework on Go4schools
• Review and return homework promptly in line with the Academies marking policy
• Provide guidance and support as necessary

The homework tasks set will be achievable for each student but will also offer an appropriate level of challenge and support. Tasks may be prescriptive or open-ended depending on the context in which they are set and the outcomes which are expected. Homework will be purposeful, realistic and meaningful for all students. Homework will help to develop students' metacognitive processes: developing knowledge of task and strategies, planning, self-regulation and evaluation.

Typical tasks might include:

• Recording practical tasks and completing evaluation
• Research skills to develop wider knowledge
• Retrieval practice to aid long term memory
• Planning and self-regulation activities to prepare for assessments
• Reading to summarise and comprehend
• Use of ICT to aid recall and retrieval such as programmes and quizzes for low stakes testing
• Completion of exam papers

Impact

We believe the purpose of homework is to set well-structured and challenging work that strengthens the students understanding of key information, concepts and both Tier 2 academic vocabulary and Tier 3 subject specific terminology directly related to the syllabuses that inform their GCSE examinations. The homework set will be assessed by a variety of means by different subject areas.

Homework will also enable students to develop their Visible Learner Dispositions by encouraging them to be:

• Reflective when consolidating work undertaken in lessons and checking their progress
• Aspirational by providing stretch and challenge from classwork
• Reflective by reinforcing skills and understanding
• Independent through developing the skills required for self-regulation and evaluation
• Independent by developing research skills and accessing resources beyond the classroom
• Independent when learning to manage their time and resources effectively
• Independent by taking responsibility for their own learning
• Collaborative by engaging with parental cooperation and support
• Resilient so that targeted feedback can secure improvements and encourage future learning