Homework

How often should homework be set and how long should it take?

The expectation of the amount and length of homework will depend on:

• the curriculum time for each subject;

• the nature of the work;

• the ability of the pupil, and

• the particular Year Group.

For Key Stage 3:

1. Subjects that see the pupils more than once per week

• Maximum 45 minutes per week

• This can be made up of multiple tasks

2. Subjects that see the pupils once per week

• Two pieces of work per half-term that take a maximum of 45 minutes each

3. Subjects that see the pupils once per fortnight

• Once piece of work per half-term that takes a maximum of 45 minutes

For Key Stage 4:

1. Pupils should expect homework from each subject to take up to 1 hour to complete. 

2. There may be more homework set for subjects that have more lessons per week.

For Key Stage 5:

1. Pupils should be expecting approximately 5 hours of independent work to complete per week for each A Level they are studying.

For all year groups, homework should not be set for the 2 weeks leading up to, as well as during, PIP assessment windows. This will be the case for all year groups, not just Key Stage 3. This is to allow pupils to focus on revision. Teachers should be giving guidance on how to revise for their subjects with suggested resources and strategies.

What should homework consist of?

There are many types of homework:

• Writing tasks;

• Pre-reading;

• Completing past paper questions;

• Note-taking and writing up notes taken in lessons;

• Reading and creation of synopsis;

• Learning to deepen knowledge and reinforce information– for example: linked concepts, vocabulary, spellings;

• Research;

• Drawing or design work;

• Practice of practical skills in subjects such as Dance, Drama or Music;

• Preparing for discussions or presentations;

• On-line learning;

• Answering questions;

• Completing worksheets;

• Revising for tests and exams