Homework is an important part of learning at The Hayfield School. It allows students to revisit and apply what they have learned, prepare for future lessons and develop the independence and self-discipline that will support them throughout school and beyond.
We also recognise the importance of students participating in extracurricular activities, pursuing interests outside school and having time to rest. Homework should therefore be purposeful, manageable and valuable.
Homework will have a clear purpose connected to learning in school and will ordinarily support one or more of the following areas.
Activities that allow students to revisit classroom learning, strengthen their understanding and develop confidence in applying knowledge and skills.
Activities that introduce knowledge, vocabulary or ideas connected to upcoming lessons, enabling students to approach new learning with useful foundations.
Activities that help students revisit learning over time, prepare for assessments and develop the techniques needed to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
Students are expected to record homework and deadlines in their planners. Where appropriate, teachers will also use Google Classroom or subject-specific online platforms to provide instructions, resources and supporting materials. Not every task will be completed or submitted online, so students should use their planners alongside these platforms.
The type, length and frequency of homework will vary between subjects and year groups because knowledge and skills are developed in different ways across the curriculum. Whatever form it takes, students should understand what they have been asked to do, why it will support their learning and when it should be completed.
Students should complete homework with appropriate care and effort, use the resources provided and seek help if something is unclear. Parents and carers are not expected to be subject experts or to complete work for their child. Encouraging positive routines, discussing deadlines and showing an interest in what is being learned can make an important difference.
The information below explains the usual homework routines and support available in English, mathematics and science. Arrangements may occasionally be adjusted to reflect the needs of a class or particular points in the school year.
We use Sparx Maths to consolidate classroom learning, develop fluency and provide regular opportunities for revision and assessment practice. Students are set homework each Wednesday at 7.00 am, which is due the following Wednesday, and are expected to complete this each week during term time. For students in Years 7 to 10, no Sparx Maths homework is set during the week before a school holiday or during the holiday itself. Occasionally, Sparx Maths may be replaced by a task designed specifically for a particular class or year group, such as GCSE examination questions, worksheets, structured revision or targeted consolidation activities.
Students who would benefit from additional help are encouraged to attend Maths Club.
When: Wednesday, 2.45–3.45 pm
Where: Mathematics Department
Support is available with Sparx Maths, classwork, homework and revision.
We use Educake to strengthen students’ scientific knowledge by revisiting and retrieving learning from recent lessons. Homework is set each Monday morning and is due by midnight the following Sunday. No Educake homework is set during the week before a school holiday or during the holiday itself. At Key Stage 4, students may also be given GCSE-style questions or other assessment-focused activities to help them apply their knowledge, develop their examination technique and prepare for assessments.
Students who require additional guidance are encouraged to attend Science Support Club.
When: Thursday, 2.45–3.45 pm
Where: Science Department
Support is available with homework, classwork and revision.
English homework supports students in consolidating learning, preparing for future lessons and developing the reading, analytical and writing skills required for success.
Homework is set in class and made available through Google Classroom, although it will not always be completed or submitted online. Tasks will vary according to the curriculum and may include:
Homework should form part of a balanced approach to school life. Establishing a regular routine is generally more effective than leaving several tasks until the last moment. Students should plan ahead, divide larger tasks into manageable stages and speak to their teacher before a deadline if they experience difficulty.
When completed thoughtfully and consistently, homework helps students remember more, become increasingly independent and build strong foundations for future success.
