Key stage 3:
At Newton Abbot College we recognise the positive benefits that completing regular, valuable homework can provide and are committed to extending the teaching of our subjects outside of the classroom. In key stage 3 students are set regular homework in English, Maths and Science. At NAC our aim is to support students in building good learning habits and routines around homework in year 7 and 8.
Maths
Maths homework at Newton Abbot College is meaningful and personalised to every pupil in the school. Using an evidence based online system, Sparx allows for pupils to consolidate what they are learning in lessons as well as give individual practice on areas of Maths your son or daughter may have previously struggled with. As a result, no two students’ homework is the same, which allows us to conclude what students are doing at home will solely benefit their learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
Homework is set at one hour each week and support is offered in school if your son/daughter needs it. As completion needs to be 100%, we always recommend students start their home learning early in case they need to seek help from a teacher.
English
Year 7 and 8 students will complete SPARX Reading as their weekly homework. SPARX is an evidence based online reading programme where students are provided with books to read, set at the appropriate level for students. The readers are then questioned throughout their reading to check their comprehension and understanding of vocabulary. Students will be set this homework weekly on Wednesdays. This weekly opportunity to read is invaluable; it will improve fluency, comprehension and vocabulary understanding; all of which are essential literacy skills.
Science
We are no longer using Tassomai when assigning homework.
Science homework this term will be the following:
Year 7, 8 and 9.
The homework will be retrieval practice and revision tasks set by the class teacher on classcharts.
Year 10
The homework will be revision tasks set by the class teacher on classcharts.
Year 11
A communication has been sent to parents regarding revision packs and past paper booklets.
KS4 Homework:
In KS4, Homework is carefully planned and set by subject teachers to complement and enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom. Teachers strategically set homework that focuses on retrieval of learnt material and application of subject knowledge to ensure students have a deep understanding of the learning covered in lessons.
The research shows homework of this type supports the journey of learning from the short term memory to the long term memory and improves the memory trace and organisation of subject knowledge in the brain so it can be effectively applied and retrieved when students need it in assessments and the exams. Homework also highlights gaps in student’s knowledge that the teacher is then able to address in lessons.
Exam questions and exam strategy form an integral part of homework set to ensure students have a good knowledge of the types of questions they will face in the exam and the techniques and strategies needed to be successful when completing the subject exam paper. The completion of Homework also allows students to develop their ability to work and revise independently and embeds the revision skills that will help them to prepare effectively for exams.
Homework is set by the teacher on class charts where both students and parents can access detailed guidance on completion and supporting resources. The submission dates and timeline of homework on class charts also allows students to organise their time effectively and parents the chance to support and monitor submissions.