The school believes that homework is an essential part of all pupils' education. It gives them the opportunity to extend and consolidate work done in class; it encourages them to produce creative, reflective and investigative work independent of the teacher; it also develops skills in personal organisation and a sense of responsibility.

Nature of tasks

Subject teachers will set appropriate tasks according to the homework timetable.

These should be differentiated where necessary to enable each pupil of whatever ability to complete a worthwhile piece of work in the time allocated.

Time allocated

Parents will be advised in the Year Handbooks that pupils are expected to do on average the following amount of homework a night.

Recording of homework and homework diaries/planners

All homework is to be recorded in the homework diary or planner under the supervision of the subject teacher. Details of the homework will be written on the board, well before the end of the lesson, to allow every pupil in the group time to write the details down.

Tutors will check and sign homework diaries (or planners) weekly; they will send the standard letter home if a child persistently fails to get the diary (or planner) signed by parents. Tutors and subject teachers will respond to any comments by parents.

Pupils are required to have their homework diaries (or planners) with them at all times.

Pupils are required to complete and hand in homework on time.

Absences from school

Pupils are expected, wherever possible, to complete homework tasks set in their absence. On returning to school, pupils should find out what tasks need to be completed and the due date. If necessary the pupils should discuss with their teacher a later date for the work to be completed.

Phasing-in of Year 7 Homework

In previous years, the transition from little or no homework at Primary School to a full programme of Devizes School homework has proved too much of a shock to the system for a sizeable minority. We want to provide a positive experience of homework for all pupils.

The phasing-in of Year 7 homework will now be as follows: In the first half term, each tutor group will have two 30 minute homeworks each night. From the second half term, the full programme starts.

Responsibility of Parents

We make it clear that:

• Parents must take an interest in their child’s homework and encourage them to complete it to the best of their ability.
• They should provide a suitable and quiet place for this. It is important that a regular routine is established, eg. 4.30 - 6.00 pm. every weekday is homework time.
• Parents should check that the work set is completed and sign the homework diary/planner each week. If there are any concerns these should be written in the diary/planner.
• Praise is far more motivating than criticism.

For further details on how parents can help we provide a pamphlet “Homework - guide for Parents” on request.

Frequency of Homework

Years 7, 8 & 9

A. The following Departments will set homework every week either once or twice a week depending on the schedule already set up by the Deputy Head: Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages, Learning Strategies, Geography and English.

B. The following Departments will set homework regularly but with some homeworks lasting perhaps two weeks:- Religious Studies, History, Art & Design.

C. The following Departments will set homework when it is necessary; this will be occasionally rather than regularly:- Design & Technology, Music, ICT.

YEARS 10 & 11

A. The following Departments will set homework every week either once or twice a week depending on the schedule set up by the Deputy Head: Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages, Geography and English

B. The following Departments will set homework regularly but with some homeworks lasting perhaps two weeks:- Religious Studies, Dance, Design & Technology, Drama, Art and Design, History, Music, Sports Studies, ICT, Photography, Business, Leisure & Tourism.

YEARS 12 & 13

A. The following Departments will set homework every week:- Mathematics, Geography, Modern Languages, Science, English, Drama, and AVCE subjects. B. The following Departments will set homework regularly:- Religious Studies, Art and Design, History, Music, Business Studies.

The Physical Education Department does not set homework (except for Examination Courses) but encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.

Although occasional homeworks for Drama and Dance will be set in Years 7-9 (e.g. bringing in props, researching ideas) there is no weekly slot because of the practical nature of the subject.