The Sholing Technology College

Transcription

1 The Sholing College HOMEWORK GUIDE KS

2 At The Sholing College we have created a homework timetable which integrates traditional homework with Extended Student Projects (ESPs). The ESP style homework, which is project based and set over a number of weeks, has been used successfully in many subject areas over the past few years. It has created some outstanding pieces of work of a very high quality, with students taking great pleasure in being given the opportunity to use their creativity and independent thinking skills. As a parent you will be able to note when homework is set by different subjects using the homework timetable. You will be able to track this through the relevant class and year on the timetable. Homework Policy Homework enables students to: Develop and embed research skills Consolidate and extend work covered in class or prepare for new learning activities. Create an opportunity for independent work. Show progress and understanding. Take ownership of and responsibility for learning. Enhance their study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline Encourage students to develop confidence in working on their own, an essential skill for adult life. Extend learning, for example through additional reading. Engage parental co-operation and support and enhance the home-school relationship. The Amount of Homework The school has a main homework timetable which identifies the class, subject and the day of allocation. Students in Key Stage 3 should expect to work on each subject allocated on a particular day for approximately 20 minutes, and no more than three subjects should set homework on the same day. Therefore students can expect up to 60minutes homework each day. Years 10 and 11 should expect between 40 minutes and 1 hour of homework for each subject per week, the class, subject and day of allocation is indicated on the main homework timetable. Students are encouraged, in addition, to read as widely as possible on their chosen subjects to broaden their knowledge. Homework will be differentiated where necessary to take into account individual needs.

3 Homework Types Homework might include such things as: Independent Learning. Writing assignments. Learning assignments. Preparing an oral presentation. Reading in preparation for a lesson. Finding out information/researching a project. Consolidation of work in class. Practice learning by doing. Completion of coursework assignments. Interviews. Drawing/sketching Using ICT. Recording. The school encourages the use of internet based resources and currently subscribes to: MyMaths GCSE Pod SAM Learning All of which are accessible via the internet and are free to TSTC students. Non-completion of Homework/Incentives When homework has not been completed, appropriate action will be taken by the department issuing the homework. This should initially support the student and ensure the activity meets the student s needs. Where appropriate, homework should be included in display work. Rewards for achievement and sustained effort will be awarded for good homework. Responsibility Students Responsibilities Students should record the homework set in their student planners. Students need to accept and respect that deadlines must be met. If students are absent, where possible they need to find out which work has been missed and how they can complete their homework. Problems with homework should be resolved before the deadline, and students should see the member of staff concerned for help. All students have a student planner which they should carry with them at all times to record their homework.

4 Schools Responsibilities Subject teachers are responsible for setting appropriate homework and marking it regularly. Each subject has allocated periods during the two week timetable to set appropriate work. Care should be taken to ensure that homework set is achievable, challenging and relevant and that students have sufficient time to ensure that they understand the task being set. Tutors will check that homework has been recorded by their tutees and any concerns are addressed through discussion and support. Tutors are expected to inform their respective Head of Year where concerns have been identified. Curriculum Leaders and Heads of Department are responsible for ensuring that all teachers in their department are setting appropriate homework to the timetable and that it is marked to a high standard. Parental Responsibilities The role of the parent is crucial in supporting their child to gain success from homework. To reinforce its value through positive feedback will give students the confidence to persevere, develop skills of independent learning and each high standards of achievement. Parents can assist by: Checking presentation and content of all homework being returned to school. Discussing with their child when homework is to be completed. Checking the student planner each week to see the homework that is being set. Where possible providing a quiet place to work. Ensuring that other activities outside of school do not impede the student s completion of homework. Encouraging their child to meet homework deadlines. Praise and encouragement when homework is complete.

5 HOMEWORK TIMETABLE YEAR 7 WEEK A Maths Creative Arts English MFL (S) Science (T) WEEK B Science English MFL Maths Creative Arts The Homework Timetable English, Maths, Science, History,, MFL, and will set approximately 20 minutes homework per week in key Stage 3. Music, Drama, Art, Computing and RE will set occasional homework activities.

6 HOMEWORK TIMETABLE YEAR 8 WEEK A English Maths Science MFL WEEK B English (S) MFL (S) English (T) Maths Science (T) The Homework Timetable English, Maths, Science, History,, MFL, and will set approximately 20 minutes homework per week in key Stage 3. Music, Drama, Art, Computing and RE will set occasional homework activities.