Key Stage 3 Homework Guidance (Years 7 to 9)

What?

• In Years 7 – 9, students follow a two-week timetable of homework.
• Each evening, students complete around 15 mins for each subject on the timetable.
• Students use their knowledge organiser booklet for the term and their homework books.
• In addition, students should be reading for pleasure every night.
• Completion of homework will be checked by tutors every morning.

Why?

• The current KS3 homework policy is based around some well discussed principles of repetition, interleaving and the idea of deliberate practice.
• Students at Hanham Woods Academy need to develop skills over time, and not just at GCSE, around time management, resilience, self-regulation and Our policy looks to build on these independent study skills right from the start of Year 7.
• Knowledge is the key to unlocking potential and allowing students to apply the knowledge in each and every We want every student to be successful and feel that homework plays a vital role in the process.

How?

• You will have a set timetable that runs every two weeks. On ‘odd weeks’ you will follow the timetable On ‘even’ weeks your class teacher may set you specific homework for their lesson.
• You will always have one week to complete your homework.
• For most subjects quizzing will be set on MCAS – you will have a set of questions to answer in your homework books. You should divide your page in half from top to bottom, copy the question out on the left hand side of the page, and write your answer on the right.
• You will have access to a knowledge organiser with key information in it to support you completing your homework.
• Maths homework is set weekly on Sparx and you have one week to complete the tasks set.
• How to lay your work out is found in the presentation guidance on the next page.
• If you need further help or support – there is homework hubs running after school in IT3 each day.
• to try and identify any barriers, or extra support we can provide the students, they will be having a talk with their Year Group leads over the course of the term
• Homework plays a vital role in the students’ journey through school and can help them to develop confidence and self-discipline to work on their own; as well as develop, consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding of what has been taught in class.
• If students ever require any support with homework; the academy offers the following:
  • Support from the tutor
  • Support from the subject teacher
  • Digital copies of the knowledge organisers on the school website
  • Homework hub running in the library from 3pm

Who checks my child’s homework?

Homework is checked daily by tutors. This is a simple check that the work has been completed.

How long should the homework take?

This depends on the number of subjects for an evening and which activity your child chooses to complete. It should be around 15/20 minutes per subject.

How can I support my child with their homework?

Students have their knowledge organisers and should be using this for their homework. You can help support your child by making sure that they have their homework books and knowledge organisers with them every day when they come to school. You could also be quizzing them on the knowledge and content.

Why do we use Knowledge Organisers for homework?

Knowledge organisers are useful tools in learning. Providing an oversight of fundamental knowledge needed to succeed within a topic within a subject. They allow students to pre-learn and revisit information needed to competently work within a subject. This style of homework looks to embed some key independent study skills right from the start of the student’s time at HWA. It helps to develop resilience and self-regulation, as well as practising the study skills they will need later on in their school careers.

Is there anything else my child could be doing?

We encourage students to be reading for pleasure for 20 minutes a day.

What support is available for my child to complete their homework?

Homework support is available in IT3 at 3pm each day. Here students can be guided through the process. Tutors can also provide support.

What is the reward & sanction system in place for homework?

Students are rewarded with Character Points for regular completion of homework. Our homework provision is currently under revision and so sanctions are not in place this term. All parents/carers will be contacted for their views regarding our current homework provision later this term.