Homework Policy 2025

Homework Policy

Policy Responsibility: Director of Studies

Ratified by: Board of Governors

Date Ratified: June 2025

Next Review Date: June 2028

Rationale

Homework is an essential component of the educational process, designed to reinforce classroom learning, foster independent study habits, and prepare students for future academic challenges. It provides an opportunity for pupils to practise and apply what they have learned, develop critical thinking skills, and take responsibility for their own learning. By engaging with homework, pupils can deepen their understanding of subject material, enhance their time management skills, and continue their learning outside the classroom. Our homework policy aims to ensure that assignments are meaningful, manageable, and supportive of pupils’ overall well-being.

General Principles

Homework at Methody should primarily be designed to support and enhance classroom learning through retrieval practice and revision of material studied in class. The primary focus should be on reinforcing knowledge and skills, ensuring that pupils can recall and apply what they have learned in class. While there may be exceptions, homework should not be about completing projects, unless this a requirement in certain subjects, nor should it be about assigning tasks for the sake of it. In practical and creative subjects like Art and Music, homework may take a different form to support skill development and creative exploration

To facilitate effective tracking and organisation, homework should be noted in pupils’ homework diaries on the date it is due. This will allow parents to stay informed and support their children's learning. Additionally, staff may choose to use Google Classroom to upload supporting documents and resources, providing pupils with easy access to the materials they may require to complete their assignments successfully.

Homework Frequency

To ensure that homework remains manageable and does not overwhelm students, the focus is on quality over quantity, with meaningful tasks that reinforce classroom learning. Homework is designed to fit within recommended time frames, allowing pupils to balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and family time. Regular reviews and feedback from students, parents, and staff help to maintain a balanced and effective homework policy. If parents are concerned about the length or quantity of homeworks, please contact the College to discuss.

At Key Stage 3

Pupils will:

• Receive up to one homework per week from each subject, with the exception of English, Mathematics and Science, which may assign up to two homeworks.

• Receive homework that does not exceed 30 minutes. Where a lengthier homework is required, the teacher will discuss with the class an appropriate deadline.

• Not receive homework over holiday periods, anytime in the two weeks before examinations and on a Friday with a following Monday due date where possible (timetabling logistics do not always make this possible).

At Key Stage 4

Pupils will:

• Receive approximately 10 hours of homework per week – this may include having to manage their homework across a week and may involve completing homework over the weekend. This time does include additional independent revision that pupils are encouraged to complete on a regular basis. The nature of GCSE means that there may be pressure points around coursework and controlled assessment, but these will be short term

• Receive a maximum of one hour of homework per week from one subject*. Pupils studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics are studying two separate subjects and homework may reflect this. Pupils studying a practical subject may be required to practise skills outside of homework time

• Not receive homework anytime in the two weeks before examinations other than revision advice from teachers **

*There may be instances in which a teacher feels it is necessary that a homework last more than hour; however this should be rare and should always consider the quality and impact of the assignment over the length of time it will take

**There may be subjects which do not conduct internal examinations and, therefore, can assign homework as they see appropriate.

At Key Stage 5

Pupils will:

• Receive approximately 10-12 hours of homework per week – this may include having to manage their homework across a week and will likely involve completing homework over the weekend. This time does include additional independent revision that pupils are encouraged to complete on a regular basis. It also does not include use of Study periods during the school day

• Not receive homework anytime in the two weeks before examinations other than revision advice from teachers *

*There may be subjects which do not conduct internal examinations and, therefore, can assign homework as they see appropriate.

Pupils on the SEN Register

Pupils on the SEN Register will complete homework as normal unless otherwise indicated in their Personalised Learning Plan (PLP). Where homework is causing difficulties related to the child’s diagnosis, this should be raised with the Learning Support Co-ordinator or Deputy Learning Support Co-ordinator so that appropriate actions can be put in place.

Pupil Expectations

Pupils will:

• Approach their homework with diligence, maximum effort and a positive attitude.

• Complete homework assignments to the best of their ability

• Ensure that they complete their homework without using online platforms, such as Artificial Intelligence, to draft responses for them. Homework should be completed by the pupil, and only the pupil.

• Manage their time effectively to ensure homework is completed on time.

• Avoid distractions, such as social media, while working on homework

• Submit homework neatly and in the required format

• Seek help from teachers if they do not understand the homework.

• Use Google Classroom to access and submit homework as required

• Review feedback from teachers and use it to improve future assignments.

• Balance homework with other responsibilities, including extracurricular activities and family time.

• Take responsibility for recording homework in their diaries and keeping track of due dates

Teacher Expectations

Teaching staff will:

• Discuss homework assignments in advance with the class to ensure clarity and understanding

• Set homework that is appropriately timed and manageable for pupils

• Assign homework that enables pupils to reinforce and apply what has been studied in class.

• Provide clear instructions and expectations for each homework task

• Ensure pupils have noted homeworks in homework diaries and will use online platforms, such as Google Classroom, to offer further homework support, when necessary.

• Ensure that homework is meaningful and contributes to pupils’ learning and development.

• Work with other members of their department to ensure homework is fairly assigned when classes are taught by more than one teacher

• Provide timely and constructive feedback on completed homework.

• Be available to support pupils who need help with their homework

• Monitor and review the effectiveness of homework assignments regularly, making adjustments as needed

• Avoid assigning homework for the next day at KS3, unless timetabling logistics make this impossible.

• Avoid setting homework over the weekend at KS3 and avoid setting homework two weeks before examinations at KS3, KS4 and KS5

• Not assign homework to KS3 pupils over a holiday period.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Homework

In recognition of the growing importance and future benefits of AI, pupils are not discouraged from using AI tools to support their research and brainstorming efforts. Using AI for these purposes can enhance learning and provide valuable insights.

However, it is crucial that AI is not used to write or complete homework assignments in a way that bypasses the need for pupils to think critically and independently. Homework is designed to reinforce learning and develop essential skills, and it is important that pupils engage with the material and complete tasks using their own understanding and effort.

Teachers will advise students on the appropriate use of AI and monitor its use to ensure that it supports, rather than undermines, the learning process. With this in mind, teachers may choose to complete extended writing tasks or any assignments from which they wish to gather quantitative data in class rather than assigning them as homework. This approach ensures that the work produced is genuinely the pupil’s own and accurately reflects their understanding and abilities.

Homework Feedback

While it is unrealistic and unsustainable for staff to mark every piece of homework completed by pupils, it is essential that there is always some form of acknowledgment and accountability. This can be achieved through various methods:

• Marking: Providing feedback on selected assignments to help pupils understand their strengths and areas for improvement

• Class Review: Going through homework at the beginning of the next lesson to discuss common errors, clarify doubts, and reinforce learning.

• Online Checks: Checking that homework has been completed online, using platforms like Google Classroom, to ensure accountability and track pupil progress.

• Verbal Acknowledgment: Briefly acknowledging completed homework during class to motivate students and recognise their efforts.

• Class Testing: Assessing pupils’ completion of homework through class tests. Such tests could be formally completed or ‘low stakes’ through mini whiteboards.

By incorporating these practices, teachers can ensure that homework is valued and that pupils receive the necessary feedback to support their learning and development. For further information around feedback, please read the College’s Feedback & Marking policy.

Homework Sanctions

To maintain high academic standards and ensure that homework serves its intended purpose, it is important that pupils adhere to the following expectations:

1. Timely Submission:

• Homework must be submitted on time. Late submissions disrupt the learning process and can negatively impact progress

• Repeated failure to submit homework on time may result in sanctions (see below)

2. Original Work:

• Pupils must ensure that all homework submitted is their own work

• Plagiarism, including copying from peers or using unauthorised sources, is prohibited and failure to adhere may result in sanctions (see below)

3. Effort and Quality:

• Homework should be completed to the best of the pupil’s ability, reflecting a genuine effort to engage with the material

• Submitting incomplete or poorly done homework may result in the need to redo the assignment and potential sanctions (see below)

4. Accountability:

• Pupils are responsible for recording homework in their homework diaries and keeping track of due dates

• Failure to take responsibility for homework assignments may lead to discussions with parents and additional support measures to improve organisation and accountability

Potential Sanctions:

The College does not believe that punitive sanctions are the sole solution to behavioural issues such as missed, late or incomplete homework. However, it is important that our pupils understand the notion of accountability and consequence, particularly around homework. Therefore, if a pupil fails to adhere to any of the above expectations a teacher can implement the following suggested steps:

• Step 1: A conversation between the pupil and teacher, where the teacher clarifies homework expectations and outlines the next steps should the same, or another, homework issue arise during the school year without a valid reason;

• Step 2: The teacher will contact home to express concern and seek support if an issue with homework occurs more than once in a school year without a valid reason;

• Step 3: If homework issues continue to occur without valid reason then the teacher may choose to set a Stage 1 detention;

• Step 4: Continued lack of improvement at this stage may result in a Stage 2 detention and

• Step 5: If there is still no improvement in homework submission then the Head of Form will arrange to meet with the pupil, teacher and parents/carers to discuss a plan of action

These suggested steps are appropriate for all pupils at all Key Stages. At GCSE and A level/BTEC, a separate system is in place for meeting deadlines for controlled assessment/coursework where applicable. Please see the College’s Controlled Assessment/Coursework Policy.