Homework

Parents’ Forum1st November 2007

Mr R BaumDirector of Studies

Why do homework?Why do homework?

Part of the complete ‘package’:school + home

Knowledge and skills

Furthering and reinforcing the study of a subject

Developing skills, confidence and motivation needed to study independently

Guidelines for staffGuidelines for staff

Departments are free to develop their own policies, based on the school’s Teaching Policy, to suit their own requirements.Departments are free to develop their own policies, based on the school’s Teaching Policy, to suit their own requirements.

Should normally arise out of work in lessons, and have

a clear aim.

Should normally arise out of work in lessons, and have

a clear aim.

Should be (if possible) enjoyable

and challenging.

Should be (if possible) enjoyable

and challenging.

Should not exceed the guidelines on

length.

Should not exceed the guidelines on

length.

Should meet the needs of the range of student abilities.

Should meet the needs of the range of student abilities.

Guidelines for parentsGuidelines for parents

Environmentspace: no distractions & well lit;time: paced.

Encourage & engagewe do not discourage helping;important to be aware & interested;use the Diary;don’t assume that they have all the learning skills.

What is offered?What is offered?DfEStime each night

KSWguidance

KSWallocation

Years 7 & 8 45 – 90 minutes20/25 minutesper subject

3, 3, 3, 3, 3/4subjects per night

Year 9 1 – 2 hours30 minutesper subject

3, 3, 3, 4, 4subjects per night

Years 10 & 11 1.5 – 2.5 hours30 minutesper subject

3, 3, 4, 4, 4subjects per night

Sixth Form n/a2 hours each night+ 4 – 5 at weekend

n/a

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

HistoryBiology Physics

English History

Maths Geography English

GermanPE

PSEChemistry Maths

Latin English

RS GeographyICT DT German

English Maths

ArtLatin Maths Music

GamesDrama German Latin

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

HistoryBiology Physics

English History

Maths Geography English

GermanPE

PSEChemistry Maths

Latin English

RS GeographyICT DT German

English Maths

ArtLatin Maths Music

GamesDrama German Latin

History Biology English Geography English

Latin Maths Physics Chemistry Maths

Art Latin Language DT Language

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

HistoryBiology Physics

English History

Maths Geography English

GermanPE

PSEChemistry Maths

Latin English

RS GeographyICT DT German

English Maths

ArtLatin Maths Music

GamesDrama German Latin

History Biology English Geography English

Latin Maths Physics Chemistry Maths

Art Latin Language DT Language

Not before autumn

half term

ReviewReview

• School Development Plan 2007/08

• Regular look at overview of allacademic aspects of King’s

• Now part of annual review byHeads of Departments

What do the students say?What do the students say?

• Would like homework time to revise.• Different advice about asking parents for help, on

joining senior school.• Prefer it when homework is connected to lessons.• Many reasons why homework can take too long:

Presentations, projects, posters, models, creative writing.Type

Environment Distractions, TV, music.

Pressure Rewards & sanctions.

Is it broken?Is it broken?• Unlike lessons, there is no ‘bell’ to indicate

that time is up. Also, uneven demands over time can result in occasional work overload - sometimes difficult for pastoral staff to monitor.

• The healthy flexibility offered to departments might lead to a range of adopted approaches and advice.

Areas being looked at (1)Areas being looked at (1)

• Overlap between homework and coursework.• Doing homework at lunchtime.• Setting homework during holidays.• Guidelines for setting extended and ‘open’

homeworks.• Role of tutor and carers, especially via diaries.• Plagiarism; translation websites.

• Clarification & monitoring of guidelines for students, staff & carers.

• Year 7 autumn term.• Homework ‘breaks’.• Sanctions policy.• Use of resources & clinics.• Transparency – schemes & Learning Gateway.• Differentiation & personalisation.• Changing timetable slots and allocations.

Areas being looked at (2)Areas being looked at (2)

Communication issues with King’s... Communication issues with King’s...

Changes to homeworkstructure...Breaks...

Homework issues thatarise at home...Working environment...

Anything else...