Intent:
The purpose of homework is to enhance student learning through the deepening of knowledge, improving achievement and developing students’ study skills for the future and as such is an integral part of the business curricula.
Homework within business enables students to:
- Consolidate and extend work covered in class and so deeply embeds knowledge
- Prepare for new learning activities
- Access resources not available in the classroom e.g. additional case studies and current affairs items
- Develop research skills
- Have an opportunity for independent work
- Enhance students’ study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline
- Take ownership and responsibility for their own learning
- Prepares students for exams in Year 11
- Promotes curiosity for- and enjoyment of learning
Implementation:
Summary of homework to be set in KS4: |
Year 11:
· Knowledge Organisers · Revision Guides · Online Learning Activities · Research tasks · Curious to Learn Business Activities · Practice essays · Exam-style questions · Activities workbook |
How frequent will homework be set in KS4?
● Year 11 – It is an expectation that all students will spend a minimum of 1 hour each week on homework. This may be set teacher-assessed homework and/or a self-selected independent study task. The key focus is to consolidate and extend knowledge of key topics as well as to fine-tune exam techniques. |
Will the homework tasks be pre-determined or spontaneous?
● There will be some pre-determined tasks that will be created in advance of the student’s lessons. However, students will also be set some spontaneous work as appropriate, depending on the learning outcomes of each lesson. |
How will the subject leader ensure that this policy is being followed by the department?
● The teachers of the course will be in constant communication regarding the curriculum and student work. ● We will do this through face to face meetings and google classroom. ● The SL will use the DDP in conjunction with the line manager as a means to review homework across the department. ● Curriculum intent sheet is shared with parents/carers and students, all stakeholders will be aware of the curriculum plan therefore improving accountability. |
Homework marking and feedback
The policy is designed so that there is no additional workload for classroom teachers. Teachers are not expected to retrospectively mark homework as this directly contradicts the department feedback policy. Instead, teachers may offer verbal praise on homework produced and should use the school Behaviour for Learning policy to celebrate the work that students do. In addition, students will receive a homework effort grade on their Curious to Learn project each term. The learning of Knowledge Organisers will be tested regularly through low stakes quizzing (starter activities and through retrieval activities) within lessons and should be self/peer assessed within the lesson. The use of retrieval practice in lessons should be non-threatening to students. Following retrieval activities, teachers should seek to establish the gaps in student knowledge and alter their planning accordingly.
Homework support and intervention
All homework/independent study instructions will be set on Google Classroom with clear deadlines, for parents and students to access.
There will be intervention opportunities for students during lunch times, where students can attend to catch up with missed work, or when they need additional support on particular topic areas.
Parents/Carers role in homework:
The parents/carers role in homework is primarily to encourage their child to work independently to meet homework deadlines and promote the importance of homework. Parents are encouraged to discuss homework with their children and help them plan its completion on time. This is especially important with extended homework that may cover a series of homework periods.
Students responsibility:
- Students need to meet the homework deadline
- Problems with homework should be resolved before the deadline
- Students should take pride in their homework and do their best
Impact:
- Strong outcomes at the end of KS4
- Attainment/Progress is in line with target grades
- Students are confident and feel well prepared for assessment
- Students will develop independence and ownership of their work and learning
- Students develop curiosity for business
- Most students are inspired to further their studies in business or chose a subject-related apprenticeship.