English Homework Policy

The English Department recognises that homework can be used to build on and develop the skills worked on in lessons.  It is an additional opportunity for students to reveal solid evidence of the learning that has taken place, and whether skills have been learnt sufficiently to be transferred and used in different tasks.  The department supports the school’s rationale for homework, which is to raise overall attainment through: 

• Reinforcing and consolidating learning in the classroom 
• Allowing the opportunity to extend work in the classroom 
• The revision of topics in preparation for assessment or new work. 
• Involving parents in the learning process 
• Allowing further opportunities to recognise a range of learning styles 
• Developing independent learning and teaching time management skills 
• Developing thinking skills including research  

Expectations: 

Marking Homework

All homework will be marked, using the Literacy Marking Code to highlight technical inaccuracies where relevant to the task focus.  It is hoped that all spelling, vocabulary and quote tests are marked within a matter of days, whereas longer tasks may take require longer before results are returned to students.. 

Failure to Complete Homework

The English department expects all students to complete homework tasks to the best of their ability.  The procedure for after-school detentions is applied consistently.  In addition, students failing to apply enough effort to complete tasks will also be required to repeat them. 

Frequency

Year 7 will get a weekly piece of homework set on Sparx Reader.

Years 8-10 will receive a piece of reading (often, but not exclusively non-fiction) a page to two pages in length.  They will then answer short answer questions on the piece they have read.  Students are also expected to complete a minimum of 20 minutes reading 4 times a week.  This should be recorded on their bookmarks. Year 10 will also receive bespoke homework based on the literature texts they are studying. They will also be expected to revise independently prior to assessment

Year 11

Weekly homework taking approximately 1 hour will be set based on the need of the class or individual student.  Students should be continuing to read for 20 minutes 4 times a week and revising independently using the resources made available through the google classrooms.