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Homework

At St. John’s Middle School, we believe that homework can make an important contribution to pupils` retention of knowledge and progress in all areas of their learning. One of the most effective ways for learners to remember their subject knowledge in the long term is interwoven retrieval practise, which homework tasks will support

 

All pupils are expected to do homework, with the amount required increasing with age. Therefore, in order to be effective, homework needs to be a part of the partnership between pupils, teachers and parents.
It will;

  • Provide effective ways for learners to revisit and remember their subject knowledge in the long term.
  • Build pupils’ skills and abilities in retrieval practise and metacognition, to be more effective, independent learners.
  • Encourage pupils to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for successful lifelong learning.
  • Extend, consolidate and reinforce the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the classroom
  • Help pupils to develop skills in organisation and meeting deadlines
  • Provide opportunities for parents and children to work together to enjoy learning
  • Prepare pupils for High School.

Types of homework

  • Reading a minimum of 3 times a week (with parents or carers for Key stage 2 and developing readers)
  • Learning and practising spellings and mathematical skills and tables. This could be through the use of ICT programs.
  • Completion of tasks on ‘Century’ – This software diagnoses areas for development for each individual pupil so provides targeted support. Teachers can also track each pupil’s progress and achievements – Century will be used regularly, but not exclusively, for core subject homework tasks.
  • Use of Knowledge Organisers to revisit, consolidate or prepare for a topic.
  • Completion of Quizzes on ePraise for assessment and consolidation.
  • Completion of tasks.
  • Reviewing, redrafting and completing a piece of work
  • Preparation for classwork / presentation
  • Research topics, projects and investigations.

Responsibilities

Pupils:

  • Are expected to meet the homework expectations and deadlines - Give of your Best!
  • Are expected to approach staff before homework is due in, if there are problems with understanding or if they are struggling to meet the deadline,
  • Are expected to take pride in and ownership of their work,
  • Are expected to refer to Knowledge Organisers for support whenever necessary.

In doing so, pupils will support our school values of love, integrity and perseverance – A love of learning, integrity in working independently and making positive choices and perseverance to give of their best with all their homework tasks.

Timetable for Key Stage 2

Year Group Subject How Often Minimum/Maximum
Year 5 English - Reading WEEKLY (At least 3 times a week to an adult) 50 Minutes +
English - Learning Tables/Spelling WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 15 Minutes
English - Additional Task WEEKLY 10 - 20 Minutes
Maths - Times Tables WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 20 Minutes
Maths WEEKLY 20 - 30 Minutes
Science TERMLY 20 - 30 Minutes
Art
       
Year 6 English - Reading WEEKLY (At least 3 times a week to an adult) 50  Minutes +
English - Learning Tables/Spelling WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 15 Minutes
English - Additional Task WEEKLY 30 - 40 Minutes
Maths - Times Tables WEEKLY (IF APPLICABLE) 10 - 20 Minutes
Maths WEEKLY 30 - 40 Minutes
Science HALF-TERMLY 30 - 40 Minutes
Art TERMLY 20 - 30 Minutes

Timetable for Key Stage 3

Year Group Subject How Often Minimum/Maximum
Year 7 English - Reading WEEKLY (At least 3 times a week - to an adult if a developing reader) 1 hour +
English - Learning Tables/Spelling WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 15 Minutes
English - Additional Tasks WEEKLY 30 Minutes
Maths - Times Tables WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 20 Minutes
Maths WEEKLY 30 - 40 Minutes
Science FORTNIGHTLY 30 Minutes
French HALF TERMLY 30 Minutes
Art TERMLY 30 Minutes
History ONE EACH TERM ON ROTATION 30 - 40 Minutes
Geography
R.E
       
Year 8 English - Reading WEEKLY (At least 3 times a week - to an adult if a developing reader) 1 hour +
English - Learning Tables/Spelling WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 20 Minutes
English - Additional Task WEEKLY 45 Minutes
Maths - Times Tables WEEKLY (DIRECTED BY TEACHER) 10 - 20 Minutes
Maths WEEKLY 45 Minutes
Science FORTNIGHTLY 40 Minutes
French HALF-TERMLY 30 Minutes
Art TERMLY 30 Minutes
History ONE EACH TERM ON ROTATION 40 - 50 Minutes
Geography
R.E

NB – Some additional tasks may be required periodically to support lessons, such as research tasks, revision for assessment or sourcing resources for practical tasks.