Homework

Information and Guidance for Pupils and Parents

"Learning Together for Success"

Homework timetables for 2012-13

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Link to Posted Homework

Last updated 30/1/09

Dear Parent,

We know that you will be keen to support your child with homework and have produced this information as a helpful guide. Homework is widely accepted as an essential and valuable element of learning. At Bredon Hill Middle School we believe that homework offers opportunities for pupils to develop key skills for independent learning. This is vital given the importance of life long learning and adaptability.

The purpose of homework at Bredon Hill Middle School is to:

  • assist in enabling pupils to achieve at the highest levels of their abilities.
  • develop an effective partnership between home and school in promoting pupils’ learning.
  • reinforce and extend the learning which occurs in school.
  • encourage pupils to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own, thus preparing them for their next phase of education at High School.

The aims of the homework policy are to:

  • ensure a consistent approach throughout the school.
  • to provide guidance for parents and carers on what to expect in terms of homework.
  • reinforce the school’s high expectations that pupils will complete homework.
  • to promote continuity and progression in learning.

Homework Tasks
There will be many different forms of homework a pupil will encounter during the course of their three years at Bredon Hill Middle School. It is likely they will be required to:

  • Research information.
  • Read to prepare for lessons.
  • Complete Personal Reading.
  • Prepare oral presentations.
  • Prepare extended pieces of work on a theme or topic.
  • Conduct interviews.
  • Design.
  • Write in different styles.
  • Make models.
  • Draft work.
  • Draw/sketch/illustrate.
  • Complete unfinished work.
  • Revise for tests.
  • Demonstrate a grasp of new concepts.
  • Write up practical work.

Time allocation per subject:
Year 6: up to 30 minutes
Year 7: up to 40 minutes
Year 8: up to 45 minutes
Time will vary for extended writing tasks or investigations.

What the School does to help pupils organise homework:
Each pupil is given a planner at the beginning of the year. In the planner is a Homework Timetable which will indicate the nights on which homework will be set for each subject. Pupils record daily in their planners and include when the homework for each subject area is set and when it is due. We sometimes give extra time to complete homework to allow flexibility.
We try to ensure that instructions concerning homework are clear to everyone in the class, and that all pupils have plenty of time to copy down what is expected.
We aim to mark or respond to homework regularly, and in a way that is clear and helpful to pupils.
Form Teachers regularly check that homework details are recorded in planners.

Rewards for Excellent Homework

  • Praise by subject teachers/peers.
  • Housepoint.
  • Comment in school planner for parental praise.
  • Display of work.
  • Subject awards.
  • Parental satisfaction to be noted in school planner.
  • Commendation.
  • Feeling good about yourself.

Sanctions if homework is not complete

  • Intervention by Year Co-ordinators.
  • Loss of Housepoint.
  • Poor marks.
  • Repetition and/or extra assignments.
  • Comment in school planner for parental action.
  • Comment to form tutor and/or detention.
  • Discussion with head of department.
  • Letter home to parents.
  • Referral to Year Co-ordinators and/or Deputy Headteacher/Assistant Headteacher.
  • Parents invited in to discuss the problem.

What parents, guardians or carers can do to help with homework
Supporting your child with homework is important, and if done well can raise attainment and promote good learning. However, do not be tempted to do the homework for them, tell them the answers or mark their work. Here are a few tips to support your child effectively.
* See homework timetable for subjects.

  • Check that homework details are filled in clearly and regularly in the planners. Please sign the planner on a weekly basis.
  • Help your child organise his or her time to best advantage. Set up a daily routine so that homework is not left to the last minute or even forgotten.
  • Try to make sure that there are suitable working conditions at home.
  • Nominate somewhere at home as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and resources such as pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue, dictionary and notebook to hand.
  • It’s a good idea if your child has a break and something to eat before starting homework.
  • Take a positive and active interest in your child’s work at home rather than just insisting that it is done.
  • Ask your child to explain the homework task and how it follows on from what he was studying at school. Be interested and be on hand to talk to your child about what he has learnt so far.
  • Help your child to become an independent learner. Explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary rather than simply giving an answer in order to get the task finished. Don’t be tempted to teach your child methods you used at school
  • Use home/school books to note how your child tackles the task, what is done well and where he has difficulties. (Remember, your child is probably one of 30 so keep your comments brief!) Read carefully any comments that your child’s teacher makes in return.
  • Discourage your child from copying when he is asked to do research tasks. Talk about the information together, work out the key facts and help your child to write these down as brief notes. Be positive about your child’s attempts. If you have concerns about his progress, make an appointment with the school.
  • Let us know if there are problems with homework that you cannot resolve. Perhaps your child seems to be doing too much, or not enough, or is finding it too easy or too difficult. Contact the Form Teacher in the first instance who will be able to help.

Student’s Role

  • Produce good quality work.
  • Make good use of the school diary.
  • Stick to homework timetables.
  • Do homework as early as possible after it is set.
  • Be disciplined in your approach.
  • Use a variety of resources.
  • Use a suitable place to study.
  • Be positive about your work.

Useful Websites
See webpage ‘Useful Websites’ for links to homework sites.