Homework
Agree a routine for Homework with your son / daughter. Life can become a constant “nag” if you don’t start this as soon as possible. Homework becomes an increasingly important part of the curriculum as your son / daughter goes through the college – what he or she starts off doing will influence study habits until they leave!
§ A good time for Homework is after a short break when your son / daughter returns from college, leaving the rest of the evening free.
§ Agree with your son / daughter that television, other activities, phone calls etc will only be possible after Homework is complete and of a satisfactory standard.
§ Many students say that listening to music helps them concentrate and do their work. Agree whether this is allowed.
§ Be prepared to invest time at first – for example be available for a set time each day to help with Homework until the routine is established - It will be time well spent…
§ Try to ensure that Homework is done the night it is set.
§ Check the contact book with your son / daughter to see what Homework has been set and when it is due to be handed in. Encourage independence by getting them to explain to you what they have to do and what they need to do it.
§ Make sure your son / daughter always writes the date and the title, and clearly labels the work as Homework (either in their book or on a worksheet or computer print out).
§ Encourage your son / daughter to write down exactly what the teacher says, not just” finish stuff in book”. They could well have forgotten what “stuff” is by the time they get home. If you and your son / daughter really cannot work out what is to be done, try ringing a friend in the same group, or, as a last resort, write a note to the teacher asking for clarification and explaining that the Homework will be done as soon as possible. Offer support but don’t do it for them. Encourage them clarify instructions in the lesson if they haven’t fully understood the task set.
§ Take an interest in the marks, comments and stamps on the Homework your son / daughter gets back – celebrate success and give the clear impression that Homework is important and valuable.
§ If you have any concerns/queries regarding homework, do contact the college. (Extension numbers for each department appears on their Homework guide).
Useful websites: http://www.dfes.gov.uk
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk
http://uk.education.com www.homeworkhigh.com
www.homeworkhelper.co.uk
Key Tasks for Students
§ Copy your Homework timetable from your contact book onto the blank timetable in this guide.
§ Write down exactly what you have to do in the lesson. If no homework is set make a note of this too with the reason why, e.g. Supply teacher.
§ Record when it has to be handed in.
§ Ask if you are not sure what the task means and check with the teacher if you are not sure what books you will need etc.
§ Make sure you bring home everything you need to do the Homework.
§ Use your contact book to remind you what to do.
§ Work independently to complete tasks, spending the correct amount of time. Do your best without someone standing over you.
If you need help with Homework or want to use college resources, the key stage Homework Club is every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after college, in the Green Close Library. You can also collect a study voucher to get a drink and a biscuit at break or lunch.
HOMEWORK TIMETABLE
Homework is both important and necessary.
Please click on the ‘downloads’ link in the top left hand menu to download a copy of the homework timetable. Then fill in this template, copying from your contact book, so that you can check when Homework is due from each department.
What to Do If You Have Concerns Regarding Your Son / daughter’s Homework
General concerns e.g. failure to write Homework in the contact book:
Contact the tutor either through a note in the contact book or a telephone call.
A problem or query regarding a particular subject:
Contact the Head of Department.
Serious concerns involving more than one subject e.g. quality of Homework provision or issues with marking:
Contact : Head of Year 7 Mrs A Man
Head of Year 8 Miss L Edwardson
Head of Year 9 Mr A Bown
Head of Year 10 Mr I Urmston
Head of Year 11 Mr B Findel-Hawkins
Head of Key Stage 3 Miss H Miles
Head of Key Stage 4 Mr D Turner
College Telephone Number: 01395 264761 | 
