Homework at Bishop Rawstorne
Independent study is an integral part of the learning process at Bishop Rawstorne Academy. Meaningful, appropriate and age and stage related homework will be set for all our students; the homework will be set on SIMS, will have a clear deadline and will allow sufficient time for students to complete it.
2. How much homework will there be?
3. Homework schedule by year group and subject
4. What types of homework will be set?
5. What principles will teachers follow?
6. What are students expected to do?
7. How can parents/carers help?
1. Why is homework set?
Homework is set in order to:
- Consolidate, reinforce, extend and assess what students know, understand and can do in the classroom.
- Develop the essential independent study skills that will ensure that strong academic outcomes and success are achieved by all students throughout school and in further education/training.
- Involve parents and carers in students’ learning.
- Encourage students to develop the skills, confidence, resilience and self-discipline needed to study effectively as independent and life-long learners.
- To develop a curiosity and love of learning so that what is taught in the classroom can be developed and applied in different contexts.
2. How much homework will there be?
The quantity of homework students will complete each week will vary depending on the curriculum time allocation for each subject, the age range of the students and the nature of the homework task. As a school committed to impactful teaching and learning, we believe it is essential that all homework tasks are meaningful, manageable and offer challenge. The emphasis is on the quality of homework, rather than the quantity.
Please see below for the expected homework schedules for 2022/2023 by year group and subject area:
3. Homework schedule by subject and year group
4. Why types of homework will be set?
Homework tasks will be varied and could include: reading or research in advance of a new topic, project-based learning or subject based tasks. Examples of consolidation homework tasks could include: creating mind maps, flash cards or other revision tools to reinforce concepts, learning of key knowledge or vocabulary for a test, answering of examination style questions, feed forward improvement work or completion of an online test to check understanding. It will take into account the principles of: preparation, practise and extension, as well as evidence-based metacognition strategies, such as interleaving and spacing.
5. What principles will teachers follow?
Teachers will follow these principles:
- Students will be given at least 5 days to complete homework, where practical.
- It must serve a specific purpose: revision, research, spaced retrieval, to test skills and knowledge learnt in class, to support independent or peer learning, or as a bench mark to new learning.
- Students must understand why they are doing the homework.
- It must offer challenge – with support and resources offered where needed.
- It must support literacy skills.
- Students must receive meaningful and timely feedback - either written, verbal or whole class - with targets and time to improve. Homework will not be set unless it is for a test or feedback will be given.
- If homework is missed or inadequate, teachers must intervene.
- It must always be set on SIMS, even if that directs students to other platforms.
- There should be no more than 1 homework set per week in a subject area and this must be agreed between teachers where there are split classes.
- Subjects choose their day for homework setting; if this needs to be different, due to teachers’ timetabling, then all days chosen must be specified, as well as the time deadline.
6. What are students expected to do?
Students will:
- Check SIMS for homework set.
- Seek clarification or assistance from the subject teacher if uncertain regarding instructions.
- Complete homework on time and to the best of their ability.
- Proof read and green pen check all work completed.
- Respond to feedback from the teacher.
7. How can parents/carers help?
The parent/carer will:
- Check their child’s homework via SIMS.
- Ensure that homework is completed on time and to the expected standard.
- Enthuse their child through conversations about their learning.