Homework at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls

Educational research has shown that homework has a positive impact on outcomes, particularly in secondary schools and at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, we value its importance in preparing our pupils to become independent learners. Homework is a valuable component of a pupil’s education, contributing to the consolidation of classroom learning, the development of independent study habits and preparation for assessments. At King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, homework assignments will be meaningful, relevant to the curriculum and designed to enhance the pupil’s understanding of the subject matter and to inspire curiosity without placing undue pressure.
This aims of this strategy is to:
● Ensure consistency in homework setting and expectations across all subjects and
key stages
● Promote purposeful, accessible and appropriately challenging tasks
● Support pupils in managing homework effectively

Purpose of Homework: Reinforcing Learning and Building Resilience

Homework is a vital part of the educational experience at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, designed to support pupils in reinforcing and extending classroom learning. It aligns with our school values of resilience and readiness, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning, develop perseverance, and prepare effectively for future lessons and assessments.

Importance of Homework: Building Skills for Success

Homework is essential for helping pupils develop the skills necessary for academic success, such as time management, self-discipline, and independent study habits. By completing homework, pupils demonstrate their commitment to their education and readiness to engage fully with their learning journey. This aligns with our values, helping pupils build the resilience needed to tackle challenges and the readiness to seize opportunities.

Time Allocation and Frequency: Balancing Workload

According to Department for Education (DfE) guidelines and our school’s commitment to a balanced workload.

Year group	Homework time per subject*
7	15 – 30 minutes
8	20 – 30 minutes
9	20 – 30 minutes
10	20 – 40 minutes
11	30 – 50 minutes
12 and 13	40 – 60 minutes

*based on 3 subjects per evening
The frequency of homework set for Years 7-9 have been determined by the amount of curriculum time given to each subject.
● English, mathematics, modern foreign languages and science homework will be set
weekly.
● Art, computing, DT, geography, history, PSHCE and RE homework will be set
fortnightly.
● Drama and music will be set when required
Years 10 and 11 will be set one homework per week for each core and option subjects.
Years 12 and 13 will be set two homeworks per subject each week.
To support teachers in setting homework that is meaningful and appropriate, King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls does not stipulate a daily homework timetable. Teachers will set homework on a day that is relevant to the curriculum and based on the frequency stated above.
The amount of homework assigned will be age-appropriate and reasonable, taking into consideration the pupils’ overall workload, including extracurricular activities.
In the week before an assessment week / internal examinations, only revision homework will be set. Revision homework is likely to involve answering questions, or other appropriate tasks set by the teacher.

Types of Homework

We encourage the setting of homework tasks that help pupils consolidate their learning in multiple ways, ensuring a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Homework should not include “finishing off” classwork tasks. We therefore expect the following types of homework to be set:
● Practice exercises to reinforce learning (e.g., math problems, science questions,
language practice)
● Revision and preparation for upcoming assessments (e.g. Seneca, Carousel Learning,
Quizlet)
● Preparation for retrieval tasks ( e.g. quizzes, flashcards)
● Skills practice (e.g. drawings, artwork, rehearsals)
● Reading assignments (e.g., chapters from a textbook or supplementary material)
● Research tasks (e.g. gathering information for a project or presentation, ensuring
readiness for future lessons)

Setting and recording homework: Clear Communication and Organisation

● Class Charts: All homework assignments will be posted on Class Charts to ensure that pupils and parents have clear access to the tasks and deadlines. Time-guidelines for completion of homework should be shared with pupils.
● Verbal Communication: Teachers will verbally communicate homework assignments in class to reinforce expectations.
● Curriculum links: All homework tasks must link to the curriculum.
● Resources: All resources required to complete tasks e.g. printed worksheets should be provided/accessible to enable completion by all pupils. If subject specific resources are essential, the school will provide access during or outside of school hours. Homework club runs after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Deadlines will be reasonable, taking into account the complexity of the task and the student’s overall workload. There will normally be seven days for completion of homework tasks.
Homework will not normally be set over the school holidays, although pupils may need to use some time during the holidays to revise for examinations, particularly in Year 11 and Year 13.

Monitoring and Feedback: Ensuring Accountability and Encouragement

Teachers will regularly monitor homework to ensure it is completed to a high standard:
● Review and Feedback: Homework will be reviewed using:
o visual checks by the teacher
o In class tasks based upon the homework task
o Data from online homework platform (e.g. Seneca, Carousel, MathsWhiz)

Rewards and Recognition
Positive reinforcement is central to our approach. Student will be recognised through:
● Positive Reinforcement: Completion of homework will be acknowledged through:
o Verbal praise
o Positive points on Class Charts (for effort, completion and improvement)
o Postcards home
o Positive communications with parents/carers

Non-completion procedures

Our approach prioritises support and second chances before sanctions. By monitoring homework effectively and providing appropriate feedback, we aim to support pupils in developing strong study habits and achieving their full potential.

● Deadline missed
o Learning conversation: identify any barriers to completion. If a barrier is
identified then appropriate referral made e.g. a young carer, IT resources,
space to complete homework, lack of understanding required to complete
the task.
o Second chance for submission: once the barrier has been removed, pupils
are given a second chance to submit at the next available opportunity.

Sanctions will not be issued whilst known barriers remain.

● Consequences for Non-submission (with no known barriers)
o First occurrence: If homework is not completed (despite an extension), without a valid reason a learning conversation will take place to discuss the
importance of homework.
o Second occurrence: pupils will receive negative points on Class Charts and other sanctions (after school detention).
o Third occurrence: Teachers will communicate with parents/carers and pupils will be monitored following the school’s behaviour policy. A departmental homework report will be implemented to ensure there is clear communication between home and school.
o Repeated non-completion: Structured support will be provided e.g. requiring attendance to homework clubs where they will receive targeted interventions.

Communication with parents and carers

Teachers are committed to ensuring parents/carers are well-informed and actively involved in their child’s homework journey. Teachers will do this by:
● Ensuring all homework is visible via Class Charts
● Encouraging parents/carers to use Class Charts to monitor tasks and deadlines

Special Educational Needs

● Homework should be adapted to meet the needs of the individual pupil
● Tasks should be varied and accessible, with a clear focus and time- guidelines
● Pupils should be given the opportunity to succeed
● Teachers will liaise with Teaching Assistants to ensure tasks are manageable

KS4 and KS5 coursework

Coursework deadlines are set throughout the year therefore it is important to organise time carefully in order to meet deadlines. Pupils will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and organisation.

KS5 independent learning activities

Homework must include tasks set for completion in the supervised study sessions, to promote independent learning habits, time management and personal responsibility. Homework for vocational courses must be set in line with the coursework requirements of the examination boards, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met. It is recommended that a minimum of 5 hours per subject per week is spent on independent learning. 2 hours will be completed in the supervised study sessions.

Homework club

Opportunities for pupils to complete homework in a quiet place, with resources are
provided after school through homework clubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Further details of clubs can be found here.

Independent learning

There are a number of educational platforms that are recommended by individual subject
areas which can be accessed by pupils to support them. Links to these can be found on the
curriculum pages of the school website and here.