Homework

Homework at Hillside

At Hillside we are determined to raise achievement and expectation among all our pupils. High quality teaching and learning is critical to pupil’s progress, and appropriately challenging homework is a key support to the learning carried out in the classroom. Homework refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked or encouraged to do outside lesson time, either independently or with other adults or pupils. It is important in raising pupil achievement. Not all homework is done at home; in fact, for some pupils who find it hard to work at home, or for some tasks which may require resources (books, software, equipment) more readily available at school, it is necessary or desirable to carry out the task at school. Homework enhances pupil learning, improves achievement and develops pupils study skills and as such is an integral part of the curriculum.

Research

Hillside’s homework policy is underpinned by evidence of good practice from the Education Endowment Fund (EEF). What does the evidence say? Evidence shows the impact of homework, on average, is five months' additional progress. Homework is most effective when used as a short and focused intervention (e.g. a specific target connected with a particular element of learning) with some exceptional studies showing up to eight additional months' positive impact on attainment. Evidence also suggests that how homework relates to learning during normal school time is important. In the most effective examples homework was an integral part of learning, rather than an add-on. Some studies indicate that there may be an optimum amount of homework of between one and two hours per school day (slightly longer for older pupils), with effects diminishing as the time that pupils spend on homework increases.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

Homework for pupils in Key Stage 3 is split into two parts, Core Homework and Retrieval Homework.

Core Homework.

Pupils will complete weekly homework tasks for English and maths in addition to retrieval homework.

Maths

➢ 60 minutes Hegarty Maths per week.

English:

➢ 20 minutes of reading x 5 per week

➢ 2 x Bedrock Learning tasks per week

Retrieval Homework.

Homework for all subjects is linked to retrieval practice. Research has shown that the use of retrieval practice is an effective tool for improving learning. Each week, pupils will take part in retrieval activities in each of their lessons and homework will support retrieval practice. Subject teachers will set weekly tasks for homework directing pupils to study a particular topic in preparation for weekly retrieval activities. Subject teacher will inform pupils what the homework task is at the start of the lesson. Pupils should spend at least 20 – 30 minutes completing each piece of retrieval homework. The homework task should also be posted on the Class Team in Office 365 along with any resources such as video clips, documents, images etc which will support pupil’s homework

Homework Platforms and Login Information

Key Stage 4

Core Homework Core homework for pupils in Key Stage 4 is set using GCSE POD. For English, maths and science, pupils should be set a minimum of three pods per week. All other subjects should set two pods per week. Links to the pod’s pupils need to watch should be posted in the class Team using Office 365. Class teachers are free to set additional homework where appropriate. This may not always be in the form of a written piece of work or a worksheet but may be more research based.

For more information about GCSE POD, Please see the GCSE POD Page.

GCSE POD