We believe that homework plays an important role in supporting students’ academic achievement, a sense of independent ownership as well as an enjoyment and curiosity about learning. We also recognise the importance of homework being clear, meaningful and connected to the work being done in lessons: quality is more important than quantity.
This policy aims to set out the principles of all homework at MAS. Subject teams will align with this policy.
We will always support any student who is struggling with completion of homework; please contact your tutor in the first instance where there are challenges.
From the research and evidence on best practice around homework at secondary stage, staff:
From this, we have developed our Core Principles of Homework at MAS:
1. Purposeful and Relevant: Homework should have a clear purpose and be directly linked to what is being taught in class. Tasks should be centralised, carefully designed and linked to the curriculum. They should reinforce and extend classroom learning.
2. Quality over Quantity: The focus should be on the quality of homework rather than the quantity. Well-designed tasks that are meaningful and engaging are more effective than a large number of less thought-out tasks. The types of tasks that are likely to be most effective are:
3. Clear Instructions: Homework tasks should come with clear instructions and deadlines and be adapted where necessary to ensure access and success. Students should understand what is expected of them and how to complete the tasks well. Homework tasks will be set and explained at the start of lesson, recorded by students in their planners and added to Google Classroom to support access.
4. Support and Feedback: Teachers should provide support and feedback on homework to help students improve. This can include guidance on how to tackle tasks and constructive feedback on completed work. The purpose of HW is to support learning and so HW tasks will typically be followed up by quizzing or peer and self checking in class.
5. Inclusive: Tasks will be adapted where necessary to ensure access and success for all. For example, do 50% of the questions (or, eg, numbers 1,4 and 5)
There are studies that show that the use of digital technologies can have a positive impact on homework. We currently set HW on the following platforms: Memrise (Languages), Educake (Science) and Sparx (Maths). This is because these platforms specifically help students to achieve the core principles of MAS homework for these subjects.
The table below gives approximate amounts of homework that a student might typically complete after every three or four lessons in a particular subject. As a result, the exact days on which homework is set will vary but it will not be set for completion the following day, including, at KS3, not Friday for Monday either.
Regular tasks encouraged as part of an effective independent learning strategy: reading for pleasure for at least 20 minutes, reviewing the learning from lessons (verbally explaining what has been learned that day/reviewing books to check they are a good record of learning).
| Year group |
Time spent every three to four lessons, depending on subject Drama, computing, core, music and PE do not set HW at KS3 |
|---|---|
| 7 | 20-30 minutes per subject |
| 8 | 20-30 minutes per subject |
| 9 | 30 minutes per subject |
| 10 and 11 |
Homework is set as appropriate per subject and with exam requirements. Students should always review the work done in each lesson if there is no specific additional task set. This is likely to look like: 40-60 minutes set per subject, per week with the exception of PRE (where this is 40 minutes every fortnight) and core PE (which includes brief Google Form assessments). With all practical subjects there will be periods where this schedule varies to respond to the point in the assessment calendar and music has the addition of regular instrument practice. There is currently no HW for KS4 Core |
| 12 and 13 |
Sixth formers will spend approximately 10 hours per week on each subject, including lesson time. This is likely to look like: An hour’s independent work for every hour spent in taught lesson time. This is likely to include reading preparation, extended writing or independent revision of material taught. |
Research on effective homework for secondary students highlights several key factors:
Students, supported by families, should:
Remember: the school library is open every day after lessons for people to do homework from 3.15 to 3.50pm; laptops are available, and adult support is usually available. Check the bulletin as many subjects offer homework clubs once a week, for example science’s Monday Educake support.
