Modern Languages HOmework Policy

Homework is an important element of the learning and teaching processes. It provides pupils with an opportunity for reinforcement. It widens the curriculum to encourage individual work and it supports the development of the skills of independent learning. In seeking to challenge pupils, we must equally be sensitive to the difficulties, which some pupils may experience in coping with the demands of independent working and/or factors outside school, which may mitigate against homework or independent study.

Pupils should be instructed to keep a note of all homework or independent study activities in their planner. The planner issued to younger pupils has been designed and produced to encourage the highlighting of homework, deadlines, examination dates as well as for accessing study tips, recording achievements and other personal information. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s use of the planner and its contents.

Homework can take a variety of forms. Careful thought should be given to the amount and type of homework being issued. This should vary according to the year stage and the ability level of the pupil. Homework should be available to all students and not restricted to higher ability groupings. Teachers should keep in mind the homework demand of other subjects. The setting of realistic deadlines is therefore crucial.

The work to be done at home should be worthwhile and linked to learning outcomes. Some exercises may be set to reinforce what has been taught in class, to prepare pupils for a revision assessment, to encourage research skills or to fire a pupil’s imagination encouraging them to accept responsibility for their own learning.

The Curriculum Leader has a key responsibility in monitoring the range, volume, regularity and appropriateness of the departmental programme on homework.

The class teacher should keep a record of all homework issued. A record should also be kept of pupils who fail to do homework and should be the basis of a referral to the Curriculum Leader, Pastoral Care Teacher and where appropriate SMT.

Please note: if pupils are to be issued with teaching resources which require to go home, it is legitimate that we insist that they exercise proper care of textbooks, diary etc. by bringing a bag to school, covering textbooks, jotters etc.

Where pupils fail to complete homework, parents will be notified and their support enlisted.