Home Learning

Home Learning Guidelines 

There is a direct link between good quality homework and academic achievement. But homework is not just about the development of academic study skills. It promotes self-discipline, encourages independence and fosters engagement. It develops memory and retention and critical thinking skills. 

For homework to be beneficial it must be worthwhile and purposeful. The work being set must have clear goals so that students understand its value. The quality of homework is more important than the quantity. Quality homework is planned to develop practice, apply skills and knowledge, review interleaved concepts and extend or deepen understanding – it is not about finishing work that was not covered in class. The guidelines below are mainly for minimum expectations setting out to avoid over burdening pupils and causing stress, anxiety, tiredness and a consequent loss of interest. Students can expect feedback from their teachers for their home learning tasks.

We have home learning tasks that are planned by each department (centrally planned tasks) for students and additional tasks that can be set by their subject teacher.

Successful home learning requires the support and engagement of parents/carers.

Home Learning Survey Findings

57 teachers, 298 students and 197 parents responded to the home learning survey conducted in July 2021. The School Council was also consulted prior to the survey to inform the questions that made up the survey.

The findings of the survey lead to four key recommendations:

1. All home learning tasks should be set using Google Classroom although materials and resources can be “stored” on firefly. Students should still be asked to note a summary of their home learning task in the new smaller diaries.
2. In the Upper School especially, home learning tasks should help to consolidate learning and there should be a greater focus on developing exam practice.
3. A formal home learning timetable will be discontinued; and replaced by a more flexible “combined” system. Care needs to be taken to avoid over burdening students especially when they have an extended day of 4 lessons.
4. The “combined model” will consist of longer centrally planned departmental tasks that are clearly part of the subject’s calendared sequence of learning combined with shorter pieces of (flexible) home learning such as prep. tasks and exam practice tasks. As a general rule, home learning tasks should be set by teachers at least once every 6 lessons.

MINIMUM TOTAL OF  68 PLANNED REMOTE LEARNING HOURS PER ANNUM

MAXIMUM EXPECTATION OF 45 TO 60 MINUTES PER DAY

Based on average duration of each piece of home learning – 45 minutes
Average frequency – of one substantial piece of home learning set every 6 lessons

MINIMUM TOTAL OF 90 PLANNED REMOTE LEARNING HOURS PER ANNUM

EXCLUDING REVISION AND EXAM PREP TASKS

EXPECTATION OF 60 to 120 MINUTES PER DAY (DEPENDING ON EXTENDED DAY TIMETABLE)

Based on average duration of each piece of home learning – 60 minutes

Average frequency of one substantial piece of home learning set every 6 lessons

• To note down home learning tasks in their student planner and refer to the intranet for details of the task.
• To complete their home learning on time.
• Home learning is work that is set outside of timetabled lessons and completed without direct supervision helping students to develop independent study habits such as researching and study skills.
• Students should refer to their subject teacher if they are finding difficulty with their task.
• They may use the LRC home learning club from 7.30 to 8.20am in the mornings.
• The term HWK should be used to denote home learning and CWK classwork in exercise books.

• To set home learning tasks including centrally planned tasks (department tasks) in the correct order to match class learning.
• To ensure all tasks are written into the student planner and set online and that all the information necessary to complete the task are shared with students..
• To follow the procedure (including following up with sanctions) for non-completion.

To support your child to complete their Home Learning by:

• Checking their diary regularly.
• Providing a quiet space for them to complete their work.
• Checking their Home Learning and supporting them with their work if required.