Student Home learning

Why does home learning matter?

Home learning is an important part of learning. It helps students practise what they’ve learned and remember it for longer. Doing home learning helps students feel proud of learning outside the classroom. It builds their confidence and shows them what they can achieve. Home learning also helps students build useful life skills and develop their character. For example, learning how to manage their time, and be resilient.

Having a good attitude to home learning helps students build strong habits. These habits are helpful when they revise for tests or exams. Working hard in and out of class helps students to prepare for the future.

Where can I see the home learning tasks?

Home learning is all set on Arbor. Click here to log in. If a student forgets their login or password, they can reset it. Watch this video for help.

How can I know what students are learning?

The Route Throughs give lots of information about what students are learning. They are found here.

The KS3 Route Throughs show what students are learning in class. The Route Through explains the home learning too. Students complete 1 hour of English, Maths and Science Sparx every week. See Sparx Guidance here: link. The Route Throughs also show tasks to extend students' learning and develop their character. For example, researching Scientists or listening to a Podcast about the History of timekeeping.

The KS4 Route Throughs show what students are learning in class. They also include the Home Learning timetable. Students get seven tasks each week. Each task should take about one hour. These tasks help students to practise classwork or revise old topics. Each subject sets tasks on Arbor one week before they are due. There are three tasks which say 'student choice'. Students can use these for subjects they need to focus most on. This could be a revision task or to continue with classwork.

The KS5 Route Throughs show what students are learning in class. They also show what the most successful students will also be doing. Students must do 1 hour of independent set work per lesson. They must also revise and complete enrichment tasks.

What can parents and carers do to help?

1. Ask students about their learning.

"What did you learn today?"

"What did your learn by doing your home learning today?"

"I can see you are studying particles in Science. I'd love to know more about that!

"The extend task for drama this term looks really interesting. Lets have a look together!!

2. Help students to organise their time.

"How are you going to organise your time to finish all your home learning?"

"We have friends coming to visit tomorrow. This means you won't be able to do any home learning. How can I help you to get it done today instead?"

"Let's put the home learning time table on our fridge. We can all look at it to help you to remember to do it."

"Have you tried using the Hub to do your work at break or lunch?"

"How was home learning club?"

3. Provide a quiet space with a table for students to do their home learning. Students will need quiet to concentrate and a table to write on. A laptop is easiest to do online home learning on. Students do home learning in the Hub at break, lunch or after school. Contact Directors of Year for more support with equipment needed for home learning.

4. Know what the students are learning. Read the Route Throughs for class work information. View home learning progress through Arbor and the Parent Portal in Sparx.

5. Celebrate with your child when they have completed their home learning. Students really care what their parents and carers think. They really value the support. They love celebrating with their loved ones.

What should students do if they need help?

1. Have a go! All their work must be their own. It is important that they are the ones thinking hard to do the task.

2. Online home learning (e.g. Sparx and Seneca) give students help. Students must read / watch / listen to the help given. When they are ready, try the question again.

3. Ask for help from their class teacher in person or by email.

4. Ask for help in the Hub at break or lunch.

5. Ask for help at home learning clubs. Directors of year can tell you when these are for their year groups.

Why should students not copy their friends or use AI?

Students who think hard to complete their home learning will learn the most. Students who copy or use AI will think less and learn less.

Sparx and Seneca give students home learning tasks that match their ability. If students complete the work quickly and correctly, Sparx will make future tasks harder. The work might become too hard if students copy or use AI.

What happens if students do not complete their home learning?

If students do not do their home learning, they will not learn everything they need to. Speak to the subject teacher or Director of Year if a student needs more time. If home learning is not completed students may get a sanction.

What should I do if I have questions or need help?

For questions about home learning tasks, contact your child’s class teacher.

For all other issues, contact the Director of Year.