The Purpose of Homework
Homework is an important part of the learning process. It includes, in principle, both work set by class teachers and independent study by pupils (using ‘reading books’, text books or other available sources).
The independent study element will become increasingly important as pupils progress through their education.
Set homework may be concerned with:
- preparation for work in class;
- extending work begun in class;
- reinforcing work completed in class; or
- learning work that has been undertaken at home or in class.
In general terms, pupils and parents should expect that set homework:
- will vary in amount and type both from subject to subject and according to the pupil’s age group;
- may include any of the following activities: reading; researching; collecting materials and images; writing either short or long pieces for assessment; making notes; drawing; reinforcing understanding gained in class by working through examples; extending tasks begun in class; learning/revising; listening exercises and practising instruments in music;
- may necessitate the use of ICT. Pupils who do not have access to computers at home sometimes choose to complete such work on the school network at breaks or lunchtimes; they may also seek (through their Head of Year) to borrow a school laptop.