Homework Policy
Definition: Homework is any task that a child is expected to do in his/her own time.
Homework tasks will vary widely; written tasks, the completion of classwork, reading, learning, research, revision, preparation for future lessons, collection of materials etc. One ongoing homework is to ensure pupils have all the equipment/books needed for the following day's lessons.
Nowadays coursework is often associated with homework.
Definition: Coursework is any work undertaken as part of a course of study. Coursework can be done in school but it is often completed at home.
There is an increasing emphasis in education on pupils developing their personal study skills. Pupils are expected to be able to complete individual work such as projects set by Examination Boards. The organisation and completion of homework tasks are invaluable ways to develop those personal study skills. Failure to complete the homework/coursework elements of GCSE course will adversely effect the final examination grades a pupils will receive.
Each pupil at John Beddoes School will be given homework regularly and the work set will be recorded. In order to ensure pupils are completing all homework, we ask parents to check their child's homework diary at regular intervals. A homework diary is provided in the form of a student planner which parents are requested to sign each week. Comments may also be added by parents.
If pupils persistently fail to hand in homework, following counseling by staff, those pupils may be expected to complete their homework in a lunchtime or after school study period. This will take the form of a supervised study session specifically intended to ensure the development of homework/coursework skills. If a pupil regularly fails to hand in homework, the parent may be asked to come to school to discuss the matter with a form tutor or subject tutor. Subsequently further action will be taken.
An approximate guide to the amount of homework per night will depend on the pupil:
Years 7 & 8: 1 - 1 1/2 hours
Year 9: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
Year 10 & 11: 2 - 3 hours
