Homework

Homework

‘Why do we have to do homework?’

Meaningful homework improves grades. The research evidence for this is quite strong as shown in the E.E.F. report on strategies that boost progress. To be successful the homework task does need to be well crafted, link clearly to the work in the lesson and be genuinely interesting for you.

Homework extends learning time. You work at your own pace and homework sometimes gives you the chance to finish a task off at home rather than being rushed in class. This would apply to practicing problems in Science or Mathematics, writing an essay in English, producing creative ideas or sketches in Art, Music or DT etc.

Homework can provide feedback about learning. A well thought out homework task gives you the confidence that you have understood the topic or technique or have mastered a skill. Having completed the task away from the supportive environment of the lesson, where a teacher might give hints and explanations, teachers receive useful feedback on the true learning you have achieved. This assists the teacher greatly in identifying what needs to be done in future lessons: push on, consolidate or try a different approach. Feedback to you can be given in different ways: sometimes a discussion in the lesson is a good approach; sometimes allowing you to offer feedback on someone’s work can be immensely powerful for both you and the student receiving your feedback.

Homework breeds independence in learning. Homework helps you to develop the skills in learning to learn anything, anytime. Surely one of the most important abilities for life?

The development of the internet has provided a wealth of educational resources, including many short video clips, which can be very effective in ensuring the firm foundations of learning are set for you. At Hyde we subscribe to a number of excellent resources, including GCSEPod and Mathswatch, which enable you to work at their own pace and identify topics in which you need extra support.

If a sensible regime for homework is established at home early on in your time at Hyde, this helps to ensure that homework does not undermine family life or prevent you participating in the vital extra-curricular activities that happen outside of normal school hours. There are six hours between 3.00pm and 9.00pm which is more time than that spent at school in lessons. Six hours is sufficient time to practise musical instruments, attend sports training sessions, do homework, relax and enjoy a chat over dinner with your parents or carers. The difference that homework makes to your final grades is substantial!

 

 homework 1b

 

Click here to read our Homework Guidance

 

Use GO4Schools to check your homework.

 

gologo2 circle