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Homework

The completion of homework is an essential part of our pupils’ learning at Holte School. Homework provides the possibility for further study of the work covered in class and is used to consolidate learning. Our main focus for homework revolves around an essential principle of learning – retrieval practice.

Through the completion of retrieval and practice questions, pupils will develop self-reliance, and gain experience in working on their own. They will therefore become more independent, autonomous learners and gain confidence in applying knowledge.

Homework is important in practising and building learning skills which will be useful to our pupils throughout their school journey and their wider lives.

In order that pupils may complete homework in a supportive environment, Holte School provides a Homework Club and Library for the use of pupils at lunchtimes and with prior agreement, after school.

There are also a number of extra-curricular clubs run by departments, including revision sessions for Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils organised throughout the year.

Homework is set either weekly or fortnightly in most subjects throughout Years 7 to 13 and is strongly focused around the principles of retrieval and consolidating learning that has already taken place in lessons.

Homework tasks need not always be written and might include:

· Creating revision cards

· Self and peer quizzing

· ‘Brain dumps/mind maps’ of key information

· Discussing their learning with peers, parents or siblings

· watching a television programme and preparing a report

· recording an interview with a member of the family/community

· performing an experiment

· designing and making a product

· visiting a local museum and making notes

· sketching local buildings for a project

· collecting items for a lesson or display

· reading to a member of the family/community

· conducting a survey/opinion poll

· preparing charts, graphs and presenting information in a variety of ways

· obtaining a bibliography of resources on a topic being studied in class

· solving a problem by exploring/investigating different solutions

· preparing a first draft for a piece of work

· preparation for a test/examination

We must emphasise that Holte School does not expect parents or carers to complete their child’s homework but can offer support in testing knowledge recall. Homework is set to enable children to practice skills learnt in the classroom. However, we find that students benefit when parents take an interest in homework and its timely completion.

If parents or carers have any concerns or questions regarding their child’s homework, please contact your child’s Year Manager or Year Coordinator at the school.

Useful resources

We also subscribe to a number of on-line learning support systems. Your child has a password which allows them to revise and study across all subjects in their own time. This is a valuable method of support! Seneca and Sparx Maths are two online programs that may be used as an online platform for pupils to complete retrieval tasks or practice questions using skills already taught in lessons.

Sparx Maths – Home

Free Homework & Revision for A Level, GCSE, KS3 & KS2