Homework

The central aim at The Hereford Academy is that every child will achieve their personal best; we believe that regular completion of quality homework is a key factor in achieving that aim. However, if homework is to be effective in raising achievement, then a partnership between students, the academy, parents and carers is essential.

Homework Timetables

Main Homework Timetable

KS3 Homework Timetable for Technology subjects

KS4 Homework Timetable for Technology subjects

Art Homework Timetable

1. Homework is any activity which students are asked to do, or chose to do outside lesson time related to learning.

2. The purpose of Homework is to:

a. Encourage students to develop the skills, confidence and motivation needed to study effectively on their own.
b. Extend school based learning by consolidating, reinforcing and developing skills and understanding begun in lessons.
c. Provide opportunities for developing coursework.
d. Promote links between the academy and parents/carers by informing them of and involving them in their child's learning.
e. When consistently completed to a high standard, homework will make a significant difference to students' achievement

3. The quality of the homework set and its outcome on learning is more important than the quantity. As a guideline teachers should set between 15 minutes and one hour per week according to the student's age and learning needs.

4. A homework timetable is published to ensure an even spread of work throughout the week so that parents can monitor their child's work.

5. If homework is to be effective in raising achievement, a three way partnership is required between the student, their parents/carers and the academy where each has a significant role to play.

6. Students are expected to:

Record the homework set in their planner
Complete the task set to the best of their ability and hand it in on time.
Tell their teacher if they have problems completing the task on time.
Attend lunchtime or after school homework clubs if they need support.

7. Teachers are expected to:

Set appropriate, meaningful homework in accordance with this policy and agreed timetable
Create opportunities within lessons for students to copy homework in their planners and as far as is reasonable check that this has been done
Acknowledge the completion of homework positively
Respond appropriately to the homework (e.g. collect/mark/comment/ return) according to the CA homework policy and the nature of the task.
Praise students and give appropriate rewards
Offer opportunities at lunchtimes or after school for students having difficulties or failing to complete homework to come to 'catch up' clubs

8. Parents/Carers are expected to:

Take an interest in their child's homework e.g. ask them what has been set, check the planners, stress the importance of completing it, discuss it with them generally
Check that their child is doing their homework
Contact the academy immediately if they feel that Homework is not being set or that there is a problem with the quantity or quality.

9. Students failing to complete homework will not be placed in detention. Instead they will be encouraged to attend lunchtime or after school homework clubs to catch up. However, if students consistently fail to complete tasks, then parents will be informed regularly as part of the academy's reporting process.

10. At the end of each term, students who have completed homework consistently and to a good standard, will be acknowledged publicly in assemblies and will be entered for a prize draw.

11. Students with AEN should follow the homework programme as far as possible. The SENCO will advise Curriculum Areas on the appropriateness of tasks being set if problems arise.

12. Heads of Curriculum Area should monitor the setting and marking of homework within their Areas and ensure that practice is in line with the whole school policy.