Features of good homework practice

Whilst the case studies on this website are all very different, reflecting the needs, strengths and values of individual schools, there are many common key features reflected in the illustrated policies and practices.

The main points about the case studies are that:

• There is a clear policy statement, developed in consultation with the pupils, staff, parents and governors, and this is reviewed on a regular basis;
• Staff and pupils regard homework as an integral part of the curriculum - it is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning;
• The foundations of effective homework practices are established early on and develop progressively across the key stages - effective homework practices  can also be used to support effective transitionary links to the secondary phase;
• Homework is set and managed effectively and contributes to the challenge of raising attainment;
• Homework tasks are differentiated and are appropriate to the needs of individuals;
• The support of parents and carers is seen as essential. They assist in many ways, for example, helping their children at home, monitoring homework, providing encouragement, and even assisting with the marking of homework;
• Effective homework strategies support a range of settings in which pupils learn, for example, through parental support and guidance, joint family learning tasks, to independent learning;
• Homework is marked according to the general school marking policy;
• The quality of completed homework is monitored and reviewed at regular periods in consultation with pupils and parents;
• Homework completed well is acknowledged and praised; and
• Innovative homework practices that reflect developments within education and the range of learning styles, for example, the use of ICT, and 'Accelerated Learning'.