Homework
Knowledge is power, we make it stick
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 using low stakes quizzing, teachers' understanding of student learning is informed, supporting further planning for individuals.
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.
KS3 Homework Overview
At KS3 all aspects of homework are completed online.
We will send a weekly ‘Homework Blast’ directly to parents and students via the Class Charts App so there is clarity on the tasks that need to be completed. We use three homework platforms to support student learning in improving literacy, numeracy and core knowledge of our curriculum to ensure students build positive habits around independent learning, ready for the demands of KS4 and beyond.
All KS3 Students will be set homework on Fridays which will be distributed to parents and students in the same format each week via the Class Charts App, and all set homework is due at 8:00pm the following Thursday.
- All three homework approaches will be centrally tracked & due on Thursday evenings at 8:00pm.
- Successful completion will result in positive points as well as rewards from Achievement Leaders.
- Incomplete homework will initially result in detentions.
- Students have 3 platforms to complete (Bedrock, Sparx and Carousel)
- 1 incomplete homework platform results in a 30 minute sanction, 2 or more incomplete homework platforms results in 60 minute detentions.
- 3 incomplete homework marks across separate weeks in a half term will potentially mean they join a compulsory homework club the following half term so the school can support the student to build better independent work habits.
- All students will complete weekly Bedrock Tasks on grammar and vocabulary (20 Points on the Bedrock System)
- All students will complete weekly Sparx Homework, measured by completion rate or a maximum of 1 hour spent.
- All students will complete weekly Carousel quizzes based on core curriculum knowledge. Students will be expected to complete a total of 80 quiz questions across the week, based on content from the subjects they are studying. Students are expected to complete quizzes at an 80% success rate.
- Homework will not be due in the holidays or assessment windows, however ‘Revision Quizzes’ will be available for students to use and revise at their own discretion.
Sparx learning is an online maths platform (www.sparxmaths.uk) used to set maths homework at Harris Academy Ockendon.
Students complete tasks based on previous in-class learning. Each task has a short supporting video if students are in need of support. Sparx Maths will adapt the number and the difficulty of tasks for each student, so each student gets one hour of homework a week.
Students can watch the video multiple times, retake the quiz, and leave comments that go directly to their maths teacher.
Carousel is an online flashcard and quizzing application, that takes knowledge that our expert teachers put into a question-and-answer format, and spaces them through the curriculum so students can use retrieval practice to embed the knowledge in their long-term memory.
The programme is designed to allow students to practice with their flashcards at their own pace, before using the quiz function to test their knowledge and receive feedback on where they can improve.
This information goes directly to our teachers so they can use it to spot gaps and identify any misconceptions in lesson.
For more information, please visit the Carousel website by clicking HERE.
There is also an introduction video aimed at supporting students with Carousel, available on YouTube by clicking HERE.
Bedrock Learning is an online platform that equips learners with the language and literacy they need to boost educational outcomes. The programme provides high quality resources, meaningful insights and a complete literacy curriculum.
Students will receive bespoke vocabulary and grammar lessons weekly; vocabulary lessons take approximately 20 minutes to complete and grammar lessons 30 minutes as these contain instructional videos.
All information for each question is fully narrated and students receive immediate feedback on their progress.
More information can be found at https://bedrocklearning.org/impact/.
Below we have also included two documents that students are encouraged to use to help them with accountability and time management.
Should your child require printed copies of the planner or tracker, these can be obtained from Mrs Atkins in the Library.
Should students at KS3 need additional support with homework, they can email homework@harrisockendon.org.uk and a member of the homework team will be happy to help, or they can put you in touch with your class teacher or head of subject department.
Should you need to contact your Achievement Leader, please email the academy via info@harrisockendon.org.uk where your message can be passed on.
KS4 Homework Overview
Empowering Student Learning
At HAOC, our vision for Homework is to ensure that students in key stage 4 are in control of their learning. We believe that by providing them with the right tools and understanding, they can push themselves to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be.
All homework assignments are now located in one accessible place, making it easier for students to find and complete their work efficiently.
Homework is accessible via the ClassCharts app. Many of the resources are linked to the student shared area, where they are organised by paper for each subject. This organisation helps students navigate their assignments and access the materials they need with ease.
KS4 homework consists of the following as directed by their subject teachers:
- Sparx maths
- Bedrock Learning
- Carousel quizzes
- Worksheets, Coursework, Homework booklet, Exam practice packs as directed by subject teacher.
By consolidating homework resources and deadlines in a central location, we aim to support our students in managing their independent study effectively, ensuring they stay on top of their assignments and continue to grow academically.
Should students at KS4 need additional support with homework, they can email homework@harrisockendon.org.uk and a member of the homework team will be happy to help, or they can put you in touch with your class teacher or head of subject department.
Should you need to contact your Achievement Leader, please email the academy via info@harrisockendon.org.uk where your message can be passed on.