Homework

Homework is a valuable part of school, allowing for the practise, extension and consolidation of work done in class. In addition, it provides training for students in planning and organising their time; establishing habits of study that will serve students for the rest of their lives.

It should challenge and extend pupils and be appropriate to their individual needs. Homework can include; research, extended projects, online activities, revision, reading, coursework tasks, editing and improvement of class work, preparation for class activities and extension activities. At Holte School we also encourage the use of online platforms and apps that are relevant to departments, for example Doddle, MyMaths, Bitesize or PiXLlit. These are used at the discretion of departments and more information can be found in subject pages on the Holte School website.

Homework can, and will, be set at various levels; class-specific, departmental and cross-curricular, in order to stretch and enrich pupil learning, independence and opportunity.

Homework also provides parents and carers with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their children, aiding in a strengthened the home-school link.

There are many things parents can do to

Parents and carers can help by:

• Taking an active interest in homework.
• Ensuring that there is time set aside for homework.
• Encouraging and supporting students to complete homework.
• Providing, where possible, a dedicated place and desk for homework and study.
• Encouraging their children to read and take an interest in current events.
• Assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing completed work if requested and being aware of the amount of homework set.
• Communicating with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework through the planner/diary.
• Alerting the school to any domestic or extracurricular activities which may need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or corrected.

Departments will set relevant homework when it supports a pupil’s learning. This year, departments are also working together to set a variety of homework projects, giving pupils the opportunity to see the common links between skills and subject content. Some of these projects will also enable pupils to work in groups, undertake research projects and apply their learning to real life situations.

If you have any questions with regards to homework, please contact your child’s Year Manager or subject teacher.