Homework Overview
Purpose of Homework
Homework is used as a tool for students to consolidate learning already acquired through the delivery of the curriculum. It provides an opportunity to overlearn topics, skills and knowledge to support long term memory – interleaving of both current and past learning to ensure skills and knowledge stick. Through the use of low stakes quizzing, teachers' understanding of student learning is informed, supporting further planning for individuals.
Homework expectations
- Reading – 30 minutes per night
- Self-quizzing – in homework books (flip and fetch)
- Technology apps in maths and science to supplement self-quizzing (Hegarty maths and Tassomai) specified year groups only.
Reading
All students are expected to have an age-appropriate book which they are currently reading. They should aim to read for at least 30 minutes each evening.
Studies show that students who do not read daily are less likely to achieve the best grades at GCSE, A levels and beyond, and are less likely to access the best job opportunities in the future.
Knowledge Organiser and Knowledge Retriever
Students in years 7 to 10 will be given a Knowledge Organiser. This is a booklet which contains the most vital knowledge that your child needs to learn and memorise. Your child will also be given a A5 Knowledge Retriever. This is a lined exercise book which students will use to evidence their self-quizzing.
Self-Quizzing
Self-Quizzing is when a student uses their knowledge organiser to try and memorise key knowledge and commit it to their long-term memory. Students will be taught the process of Fetch, Flip, Check and Repeat to self-quiz the content from their knowledge organisers.
To optimise the effectiveness of self-quizzing, students must write out knowledge from memory, using the Fetch, Flip, Check and Repeat method, and must not copy. Your child will have extensive training in school on how to do their self-quizzing. Your child will be expected to bring in their knowledge retriever and knowledge organiser every day to school.
Form Tutors will provide regular feedback in your child’s knowledge organiser to support them in meeting expectations.
Hegartymaths
Hegarty maths is an online app that supports students in revising and practicing key processes in Maths. Students will be set two tasks every week that they must complete, which are indicated as soon as they log into the website. Maths teachers set these tasks. Video tutorials support students by talking through and providing clear worked examples. Students are then tested with an online quiz based on the process modelled in the worked examples. Students must copy the worked examples into their books.
Tassomai
Tassomai is an online app that quizzes students on the scientific knowledge that they have learnt in class. The quizzes are all multiple choice, out of four, and students get immediate feedback on their response. The quizzes are tailored to the Science specification as well as your child’s specific strengths and weaknesses.
Completing the quizzes regularly will ensure your child revises all the knowledge required for their Science exams for all 6 GCSE Science papers that they will sit in Year 11.
