Homework
Homework isn't just about keeping you busy after a full day in the academy. It's an essential part of "Being North Manchester".
Why homework matters:
- The brain is like a muscle. And, like a muscle, if it doesn't get a regular workout it won't be as strong as it can be! The more you practice what you’ve learnt in class, the easier it will be to remember when exams start.
- It gives you the space to figure things out at your own pace, away from the busy classroom.
- Homework is an essential part of the curriculum that enhances pupil learning by increasing fluency and independence.
- It’s your chance to show off what you've learnt and apply it in your own way.
- Homework is an opportunity to be more North Manchester, even when you're away from the academy.
Homework also provides an opportunity to allow parents and carers to become more involved in their child’s learning.
Pupils are assigned homework online via Google Classroom. All pupils have been provided with a Google account, and we would ask parents and carers to check this regularly.
Even More Reasons Why Homework Matters
Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons. Homework matters because it:
- Reinforces positive attitudes to learning;
- Encourages self-organisation and self-discipline;
- Teaches pupils to be resilient and independent;
- Reinforces, broadens and extends the school curriculum;
- Develops academy/home partnerships;
- Prepares for life opportunities and experiences;
- Develops pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural skills;
- Enables pupils to investigate and become involved in the wider community;
- Provides opportunities for pupils to read widely and often, developing fluency and comprehension appropriate to their age;
- Enables pupils to apply knowledge, concepts and procedures appropriately for their age.
Support
Homework is work that is set to be done outside the timetabled curriculum. It's done independently; this means without supervision from teachers/academy staff.
Not all homework is done at home. Some pupils might find it hard to work at home, or be assigned tasks that require resources that are only available at school. When this is the case, pupils are welcome to complete homework in the academy.
There is a Homework Hub in the academy which is open after school. This provision has relevant textbooks, access to computers and other resources and provides a quiet and focused work space for our pupils. It's also a great opportunity to complete your homework among your friends. Who knows? You might teach each other a thing or two!
Homework and Rewards
Homework is an essential part of learning, but high quality homework deserves recognition. If a pupil has excelled, we're more than happy to display the work proudly around the academy.
We offer incentives for exceptional work and when pupils display excellent attitudes to homework. These include:
- Achievement points;
- Head of Department Subject Superstar Awards;
- Prizes;
- Ceritificates;
- Postcards home;
- Extra school trips.
Expectations
All homework is posted through Google Classroom.
We encourage our pupils to talk about their homework at home and to ask their teacher for any help that they may require.
Pupils are required to submit their homework on time and to the best of their ability.
We encourage our parents and carers to take an interest in their child’s homework, and pupils are encouraged to get their parents/carers involved.
If you're struggling with any aspect of homework, be it the subject content or the organisation of it, then we encourage you to speak to your Pastoral Manager.
The Homework Hub is an excellent resource for you to use if you're struggling to catch up. It might be that your friends are going through the same thing, and you can help each other out.
We keep track of missed homework, and this data is available to parents/carers.
Teachers will let parents know about the quality and consistency of homework in their annual reports.
How much Homework will I get?
Years 7, 8 & 9
- Core subjects – English, Maths & Science: 1 homework per subject, every week.
- Art, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, History & Languages: 1 homework per subject, every 2 weeks.
- Citizenship, Drama, Music and Religious Studies: 1 homework per subject, every Half Term.
Years 10-11
- 1 homework per subject, every week.