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Homework @ Hodge Hill College

The aim of homework is to encourage independent study at home.  Successful pupils are pupils who are able to continue their learning in the home environment and can see the purpose and value of this learning. In order to make this successful we aim to train KS3 pupils in partnership with parents to gain these skills. All pupils are expected to complete independent study. They should be reading every day and working on MathsWatch.

For other subjects, pupils must take responsibility to prepare for upcoming assessments. We will provide one set of revision materials and electronic copies can be accessed via Foldr from the school website.

How to Access Foldr		Log in to Foldr

Benefits of Independent Study

• Develops good learning habits necessary for further education
• Develops good learning habits, self-discipline and resilience
• Trains pupils in planning and organising their time
• Allows pupils to take responsibility for their own success
• Provides opportunities for practice
• Allows pupils to extend their knowledge and develop their interests

Daily Reading 

Pupils are expected to choose a library book and read it daily to their parents and themselves.

There is a list of Recommended Reads below and all of these books are also available in our library. Every book that is taken out by a student, returned on time and reviewed will result in 3 points being allocated to that form with regard to winning the KS3 challenge and corresponding reward event. 

 Consistent reading at the pupils reading age and above brings several benefits such as vocabulary expansion, memory improvement, stronger analytical thinking skills and better writing skills which will be valuable for progression within all subjects. Alongside the practical gains for success in school, reading is also a great tool for stress reduction and can provide mental stimulation keeping the brain strong and healthy.

MathsWatch

Click here or on the image above to launch MathsWatch

As with all skills mathematics is a skill which requires practice and reinforcement. All pupils are required to practice their maths topic on MathsWatch for 30 minutes each day. Maths teachers check MathsWatch usage for their groups.

 MathsWatch is an online learning tool which allows students to further embed learning from the classroom. It is also the system upon which Team Maths sets homework assignments and through which students can revise. Each student has a unique login and username, which are used to login and access their account. Their homework assignments are listed there, and they can complete these over a number of sittings. If they are struggling with a question, by scrolling down they can use the helpful videos, or alternatively can attend the MathsWatch club on Tuesday after school, or see their teacher.

 Use of MathsWatch is an excellent supplement to student learning, in addition to helping students to highlight areas of weakness. Progress and usage is rewarded through certificates, assembly announcements and enrichment badges.

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Key Stage 3

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Key Stage 4

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Tips for Parents

• Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies such as paper and pens within reach.
• Can you see what your child is doing? It is independent study however to monitor distractions you should be able to regularly check that your child is completing the work.
• Schedule a regular study time; Pupils will work better at different times so ensure you know when this is as children respond positively to routine.
• Help them plan; if your child has a particularly heavy homework evening encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks and take time for a 15 minute break every hour if possible.
• If providing your child with a snack; ensure that it’s ‘brain food’ such as water and fruit which keeps the brain hydrated and working to its maximum. Sugary snacks may provide a temporary ‘high’ but in the long term will also disrupt concentration and lower the capabilities of key skills such as forming new memories (and therefore work).
• Keep distractions to a minimum; Completing independent study without interruptions such as the TV, loud music or mobile phones will ensure that the time doing the work is better spent.
• Make sure kids do their own work; Pupils sometimes need to make mistakes to learn and this should be encouraged to build up the vital soft skill of resilience.
• Motivate and monitor; Ask your child about what they’re doing. Give encouragement, check completed tasks and be available for questions and comments.
• Praise their work and efforts; Achievement is the biggest motivator.

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