Purpose of Homework

Homework is used to consolidate work learned in class and to deepen student’s understanding of key topics. At secondary school studies have shown that consistent completion of homework can add on average 5 months of progress. Working from home creates independent learners who can self-study and revise in preparation for exams. We find that students who don’t regularly complete homework find it difficult to revise at home for GCSEs and beyond and do not fulfil their full potential. 

In order to provide absolute clarity on the homework expectations we have simplified these into a sentence per key stage.

Key Stage 3 All Subjects - A meaningful piece of homework once per fortnight, core subjects once per week.

Key Stage 4 All Subjects - Two pieces of meaningful homework per fortnight.

Core Subject Homework 

Maths and English homework will be completed online using Sparx and Science homework will be completed online using Educake.  More information below.

Sparx sends out weekly automated reminders to parents via email to let you know if your child has engaged with the homework yet for that week and their progress so far. Please note that we cannot turn off these reminders. If your child fails to submit their maths, English or science homework to a good standard a behaviour event will be logged.  There will be sanctions for students who do not complete homework.

Description of English Homework:

Sparx reader is an online platform that is designed to adapt and grow with the student user, students make phenomenal progress if using this platform regularly.

English Homework Parent Letter

Years 7-11 weekly English Language homework: Sparx Reader  

Years 7-11 weekly English Literature homework:  Quizlet and/or GCSEpod

All three platforms can be accessed using students’ Google logins. All homework is set and due on the same day as detailed above. 

Description of Maths Homework: 

Sparx is an online platform that learns which areas students are confident in, and which areas they need support with - evidence nationally last year showed that if used often it can add half a grade onto a students GCSE outcomes.

Sparx Parent Letter

Description of Science Homework:

Science homework can be an Educake quiz, a google form, a past paper question or a research task.

How to access and use Educake

They can also change their settings to log in with their school google account. 

How to revise using Educake (This is aimed at years 10 and 11 but can be useful for year 7, 8 and  9 too.

Students can reset their own Educake passwords using the forgotten password link and their school email address.  How to reset your own password on Educake