Rationale

This research-led guidance aims to ensure consistency in homework practices across Stourport High School and to clearly communicate our expectations to staff, pupils, and parents. Stourport High School offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to broaden pupils' experiences and enhance their academic achievement, with homework being an integral part of this offering. While the primary role of teachers is to facilitate engaging and stimulating lessons crucial for pupil progress, dedicated time will be allocated in lessons for group feedback on homework, helping pupils identify their next steps.

Homework is designed to maximise its impact on learning and achievement. It can provide a boost in progress, particularly in Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (4KS4), though research on its overall strength of evidence is low3. Our approach to homework is designed to enhance pupils' learning experiences, develop habits to support retrieval and revision.

This guidance statement provides a coherent framework for subjects and teachers to develop a consistent and effective approach to homework, considering students of all ages and abilities. Parent/carer survey feedback has been incorporated into the policy. Homework activities vary significantly between younger and older pupils. To support pupils who may lack a quiet space for home learning, a homework club is available in our library from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Thursday.

What is Sparx?

Sparx is an excellent online program for reading, maths, and science, offering videos and questions for every maths topic for Years 7-11. We have found that our pupils enjoy Sparx, and it has significantly benefited their progress. Pupils will receive instruction on how to use Sparx in Year 7.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their child's Sparx activity and time spent on the platform. Your child should aim to complete 100% of their Sparx homework each week, which can be verified on their homepage. Pupils should record their workings in their homework books and utilise the video tutorials and retry options when unsure. Pupils are encouraged to complete extra practice through the 'XP Boost' and 'Target' homework sections on the homepage. Sparx also allows students to search for specific topics to practice under the 'Homework' tab.

Website links:

• Sparx Maths - https://Sparxmaths.com/
• Sparx Reader - https://Sparxreader.com/
• Sparx Science - https://Sparxscience.com

The Sparx programs automatically email parents/carers who have registered their email with the school when homework has been assigned. Maths teachers will set one task per week for their classes. For students who wish to further their knowledge and skills, Sparx includes an independent learning section where students can access any topics they wish to study independently.

Using Knowledge Organisers Effectively

Knowledge Organisers can support self-quizzing based on topics studied in lessons. This work should be completed in your homework book. Knowledge Organisers are available in Google Classrooms or on the school website. To use Knowledge Organisers most effectively, consider these strategies:

• Pre-reading and Discussion: Review the knowledge organiser before starting a new topic to gain an overview and generate questions or discussions.
• Active Retrieval Practice: This is one of the most effective ways to use knowledge organisers. Instead of simply re-reading, actively retrieve information from memory. This can involve:

• • Self-quizzing: Create mini-quizzes from the knowledge organiser by covering sections (like definitions or answers) and testing yourself.
  • Look, Cover, Write, Check: Study a section, cover it, write down what you remember, and then check against the organiser.
  • Mind Maps, Timelines, Flow Charts: Reorganise the information from the knowledge organiser into different formats to aid memory and understanding.
  • Paired Retrieval: Quiz a friend or family member, or have them quiz you.
  • Free Recall: Write down everything you can remember about a topic before checking the knowledge organiser.

• Vocabulary and Spelling: Use the knowledge organiser as a quick reference for key vocabulary and spellings, ensuring correct use of subject-specific terms.
• Identifying Gaps: Use them to identify what you have understood and what requires further work, allowing you to focus your revision.

Teachers:

• Are required to set appropriate and clearly defined homework (tailored to the needs of each child) through Google classroom.
• Will provide verbal feedback to pupils in class, primarily using Sparx usage data to inform discussions.
• Will reward pupils for timely and high-quality homework submission to effectively monitor homework completion please add a CP1 for determination. This is to build positive habits (we will review once we have a clarity of completion) This may involve a word of praise or a college point, at the teacher's discretion.
• A B0 should be logged for not completing homework. This allows us to monitor homework completion.

Pupils:

• Are expected to meet homework expectations and deadlines whenever possible.
• Are expected to refer to Knowledge Organisers for support as needed.

Parents:

• Are encouraged to ensure their children complete tasks in a suitable environment with minimal distractions.
• Can support by providing necessary equipment for tasks.
• Can assist by encouraging their children to establish a consistent homework routine as soon as possible.
• Can discuss tasks with their children and offer support as required.

Addressing Non-Completion:

If a class teacher is concerned about a pupil not completing homework, they will contact home and recommend homework club. A recommendation of 3 B0’s would be an initial referral to homework club.

Homework club is in Room 27, Monday to Thursday until 4pm. 

It offers 1:1 support for SEND learners from 3:15-3:45pm, and a space for all pupils to complete homework before leaving school. We will encourage pupils who are not completing homework to attend.