Homework Frequently Asked Questions

To support families with homework, we have compiled these responses to some Frequently Asked Questions. (You can download and print this text from the link at the bottom of this page)

What is the purpose of homework?

Homework consolidates learning so that students master the knowledge and skills of the curriculum. 

According to the Education Endowment Foundation, research shows that Homework can have a positive impact of an additional 5 months progress, particularly with students in secondary schools.

Where can I view my child’s homework?

All homework instructions will be visible on ‘My Child At School’

What form does homework take?

In Key Stages Three and Four: homework tasks take the form of reading, revision or practice.

This ensures that YR7-9 consolidate the skills and knowledge of the Key Stage Three curriculum and that YR10-11 are sharply focused on effective preparation for GCSE exams or coursework.

In Key Stage Five: homework tasks take the form of reading, revision, practice, and preparation.

This is to encourage A level students not only to consolidate their learning but also to become increasingly proactive in their studies, honing their study skills for education beyond their time at Notre Dame.

All homework tasks will incorporate some form of provable outcome so that students can demonstrate their effort and achievements. For instance, a reading task might include related questions or note taking in preparation for discussion.

What are the frequencies of homework to expect?

To ensure that families can balance school and home life, we aim for a predictable frequency of homework. This frequency gradually increases so that students build routines for study. We limit the frequency in some subjects so that homework is manageable and realistic. With the exception of exam years, we do not set homework in the holidays in order to protect family time.

Frequency of homework for Year Seven:

Weekly:  Maths, MFL

Fortnightly: English, RE, Science
Half termly: Geography, History, DT

Termly: Art, Drama, Music, PE

Never:  Computer Science, PSHE

Frequency of homework for Year Eight:

Weekly: Maths, MFL

Fortnightly: English, RE, Science
Half termly: Geography, History, DT

Termly: Art, Drama, Music, PE

Never: Computer Science, PSHE

Frequency of homework for Year Nine:

Weekly: English, Maths, MFL

Fortnightly: RE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Half termly: Geography, History, DT

Termly: Art, Drama, Music, PE

Never: Computer Science, PSHE

Frequency of homework for Year 10:

Weekly: Art, Computer Science, Drama, English,

Geography, GCSE PE, Maths, MFL, Music,

Fortnightly: Business, DT, History, RE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Frequency of homework for Year 11:

Weekly: Art, Computer Science, Drama, DT, English,

Geography, GCSE PE, Maths, MFL, Music,

Fortnightly: Business, History, RE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Frequency of homework for Year 12 and 13:

At least Weekly: all subjects

The timing and frequency of homework may vary at A-Level according to subject and curriculum topic. However, it will be at least weekly and will equate to up to an hour of homework for every lesson.

 

How long will homework take?

It is difficult for teachers to accurately predict how long a task will take any given student, so we instead make recommendations as guidance for students and parents.

Recommended durations as guidance:

Key Stage Three: 20-40 minutes per homework (not exceeding an hour)

Key Stage Four: 40-60 minutes per homework. Only exceed this for vital revision or coursework. 

                             Key Stage Five: A level students should spend around an hour of homework/study                                                             for every hour of timetabled lesson time.

 

Teachers will seek feedback from students about how they are managing to keep within this recommended guidance and will use it to inform their future planning in order to continually judge homework tasks.

What feedback can students expect for Homework?

Students should have some form of feedback for every homework but this does not necessarily take the form of written marking. Feedback can take many forms: verbal feedback, whole class feedback and self-marked feedback where appropriate and possible. For instance, some of our online homework tools include immediate feedback.

How can we extend our study beyond the homework?

Each subject will maintain appropriate curriculum resources so that students can continually revise their subject when they wish to extend their learning. This includes study booklets for topics and key resources on the subject page of the school website.

When and how might the school allow for exceptional circumstances?

At Notre Dame we recognise that some students may have family circumstances or individual needs that might make homework more challenging. The pastoral and SEND team will provide best advice to teachers where adjustments or exceptions need to be made. We will always seek to have good communication with parents and carers in order to understand these needs. In exceptional circumstances, parents may email their child’s teacher or form tutor if they wish to communicate a reason why their child may not be able to meet an upcoming deadline.

What are the consequences for not completing Homework?

Departmental detentions will be set when homework is not completed and when there are no exceptional circumstances. These take place at lunchtime and provide an opportunity for the child to catch up on any gaps.

Who can I contact if I have feedback about homework?

To feedback to a specific subject, please email the Head of Department or the child’s teacher.

To feedback about homework in general, please email Mr Tom Stevens (Assistant Headteacher) on tstevens@ndhs.org.uk

Who can I contact if I do not have access to ‘My Child At School’?

If you cannot access ‘My Child At School’ please email our data team at: dataadmin@ndhs.org.uk