Homework is an important part of successful learning at school. It is an opportunity for students:
In accordance with the purpose of homework, parents and students can expect it to be set when it is appropriate to do so.
In Year 7, parents and students can expect homework in each subject to take about 20 to 30 minutes. By Year 11, this will have increased to about 50 to 60 minutes per subject. Inevitably, the self-study aspect of homework means that sometimes a student may take more or less time to complete it, depending on a student’s motivation and ability.
The responsibility lies with the student, with the support of home. Ultimately, homework is intended to be completed beyond the jurisdiction of the teacher. This is in order to give students the opportunity to develop for themselves skills such as:
These are all skills needed in adult life and essential for further study or employment.
The main way teachers will support these skills is by setting homework that is meaningful, and by setting it when it is appropriate.
Students respond best to encouragement, so the school will initially focus its efforts on rewarding students who complete a homework rather than punishing those who do not, for example, by awarding merits.
If the school feels that incomplete homework is becoming a problem for a student, they can expect a range of actions to be taken, which may include attendance at homework club, being put on Report or parents being contacted.
Kirkbie Kendal School uses Edulink to record homework. This can be accessed by both Students and Parents/Carers to see the homework that has been set. For more information about Edulink including accessing log on details please contact lblamire@kksa.co.uk at school.
There is a range of extra support available from the school.
Whenever a student is struggling with a homework task, the first thing they should do is ask their teacher for help. It is not helpful to turn up on the day work is to be handed in saying ‘I couldn’t do this.’
The School Library is superbly equipped with books on nearly every topic studied by a student in every subject. It also has plenty of PCs for research and for typing-up work. A Librarian is always available to give advice and assistance.
It is up to the student to make use of these opportunities, the responsibility lies with them.
There are many things a parent can do to help with homework: