Curriculum

Homework

It is the policy at St. Joseph’s that homework is set regularly for all pupils.

RATIONALE

“The importance of homework to educational achievement cannot be denied. If pupils receive appropriate homework and do it on a regular basis over a five year period, they will, in effect, be receiving the equivalent of at least one additional year of full-time education” ‘Improving Secondary schools’

Homework is work that is set to be done outside the timetabled curriculum. It contains an element of independent study in that it is not usually directly supervised by a teacher. It is important in raising student achievement.

Homework enhances pupil learning, improves achievement and develops pupils' study skills and as such is an integral part of the curriculum. It requires careful planning and integration into the scheme of work of each curriculum area.

AIMS

Homework enables pupils to:

Consolidate and embed work covered in class or prepare for new learning activities.
Access resources not available in the classroom.
Develop research skills.
Challenge students in their learning and understanding
Provide feedback in the evaluation of teaching.
To enhance their independent study skills. planning, time management and self-discipline.
To take ownership and responsibility for learning.
Engage parental co-operation and support.

AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 8)

Homework will be set at least once a week in the following subjects:

RE
English
Maths
French / Spanish
Geography
History
Science

Homework will be set once a fortnight for the following subjects:

Art
Computing
Music
Technology

Please note that the amount of homework set per week in each Year group is an approximation.

YEAR	HOURS OF HOMEWORK
7	5+
8	7+

Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 & 11)

Homework will be set at once a week in each subject studied.

RE Option A

English Option B

Maths Option C

Science Option D

YEAR	HOURS OF HOMEWORK
9	8 - 10
10	8 - 10
11	10 +

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13)

Sixth Form students are required to match every hour of lesson time with an hour of independent study outside of the classroom. This means a minimum of four hours per subject each week, in addition to any homework set.

Homework will be set at least once a week in each subject studied.

MONITORING HOMEWORK DONE

Homework not completed or of an unacceptable standard, either in content or effort should be dealt with accordingly.

In the first instance – to be dealt with by the subject teacher and department
Persistent offenders need to be reported to the Pastoral Leader and further sanctions will be used.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AT HOME

We would ask you regularly check Show my Homework so that you can encourage and support your child’s efforts. We would ask you to check and sign the planner once a week to confirm that the correct home learning has been set and completed by your child.
Understandably many parents feel that they cannot do a great deal to help their children with their learning and indeed we wouldn’t encourage you to help them so much that you end up doing it for them! However there are several useful ways you can help. These include:
checking the quality of the work your child intends to hand in;
looking at the grades and teacher comments work receives and discussing these with your child;
making a note of when tests are due and asking what mark your child received;
testing what has been learned;
listening to your child read completed work;
encouraging and praising your child when the learning has been completed;
make it clear to your child that you think home learning is important;
Asking your child to explain what he or she has been studying.
Pupils should not underestimate the importance of sleep. Pupils should be getting between 8 to 10 hours per night. Also pupils should avoid using electronic devices before sleep as this impacts heavily on the body getting to sleep quickly.