INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

1. Homework refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside lesson time. In accepting this definition, and to enable all students to have equal access to the best resources and conditions possible, work can be done early before of after school or at lunchtime in the Library, or Homework Room, or in any other suitable area, including a quiet room at home. Late night or last minute homework should be avoided.

2. All students are expected to do homework whichever year they are in and whatever their ability.

3. All subjects across the curriculum except non-GCSE PE and PSE are required to set homework as appropriate, within the framework of the School's Homework Policy.

4. Homework set will vary in nature and in amount to take account of different abilities and needs. It may involve written work, learning, drawing, mapwork, finding out, or even 'thinking out'.

5. All homework set will be for the purpose of improving pupil learning and understanding as well as to develop those skills and responsibilities involved in working independently.

6. All homework should be completed and ready to hand in by the date and time required by the teachers. Students will be taken to task where homework is not done, is handed in late or is completed unsatisfactorily. A comprehensive record will be kept of such instances and Parents informed when a persistent problem occurs.

7. Books and equipment taken from school in connection with homework should be kept safe and returned promptly after use in a good condition.

8. Every homework set should be recorded both by the teacher and students. Students should record homework in their Homework Diary and in the appropriate exercise book or folder for that subject giving date and details of the task. Years 7, 8 and 9 will have a homework set at regular intervals, adhering whenever possible to the published timetable which gives a guideline about which subjects will be set on which evening. Long-term GCSE project and assignment work in Years 10 and 11 will be set within the clear framework of deadline dates.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS

1. For Parents of students in Years 7, 8, and 9 we will send you a copy of the details of your child's homework timetable. This will place you in a better position for monitoring homework. For students in Years 10 and 11 ask what assignments have been set and what are the deadline dates for completion.

2. Check your child's homework and Homework Diary each evening and be prepared to help on occasions. It would be helpful if you could sign you child' Homework Diary weekly when you have checked homework has been completed.

3. Before your child leaves for school each morning check he/she has all books and equipment required for that day and that all outstanding homework is complete.

4. If you think your child is not receiving enough homework, question him/her about it. Keep in mind that often a learning homework is interpreted by children as 'no homework'.

If the pattern of apparently little homework persists contact your child's Year Head. We shall be pleased to investigate and, if necessary, put matters right.

5. If problems do arise over your child's homework, please support the school in whatever action is taken to rectify the situation. Similarly, we will do all we can to take your views into consideration. After all, this is what partnership means.