Homework & Independent Learning

Homework Guidelines

Homework is an essential part of learning. It helps students to consolidate what they have done; it gives them a chance to prepare for work to come, and helps them to develop independent study skills.

All homework will be set on Frog. For those students without internet access, it will also be written into planners, and hard copy resources will be provided.

Key Stage 3 (Y7, Y8 & Y9)

*Drama, PE, and Music will not set formal homework at KS3

Key Stage 4 (Y10 & Y11)

Key Stage 5

Homework is essential at Key Stage 5 to foster effective independent learning.

In line with the Departmental Checklist in the Sixth Form Teaching and Learning policy, homework should be set regularly, with a general expectation that a formal piece of assessed work will be set each week in each subject, above and beyond wider reading, research and lesson preparation. Course delivery should be planned to encourage students to conduct 5 hours of study outside of lessons. This assessed piece of homework must be marked and returned within a week and, when applicable, be marked according to AS/A2 examination criteria to inform most accurately on progress. 

Homework Project

Some homework may take the form of project work.  All HW projects will be accompanied by a guide (for students and parents) on how to complete the project.

Quality

All homework should be completed to the very best of the student’s ability. Students can expect to have to re-do incomplete or substandard homework in a detention at the discretion of the individual department.

Submission of Homework

Homework must be submitted to the teacher on the day it is due, in a format previously agreed with the teacher. Students must expect to be sanctioned if their homework is late without a note of explanation from a parent or carer.

Expectations of Marking

Following the school Marking Guidance, not all homework will necessarily be marked with written feedback, but all homework will be looked to ensure that it has been completed to the best of the student’s ability.

Powerful Learning Characteristic

When completing homework, students should keep in mind the Oxted Powerful Learner Characteristics: Resilient, Resourceful, Reflective, Collaborative, Courageous, Creative.

The Library

The Library offers a welcoming working environment where students can develop their learning skills. Staffed by two qualified Librarians, it is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily, closing at 4.30pm on Fridays. 

The Library has 15 computers for student work and independent research and is complemented by a computer room housing 32 computers for sixth form use. Information folders, newspapers and journals complete the resources and help is always available for students.