Homework at Poole High School
Homework is a crucial component of learning beyond the classroom. Each task is carefully designed to build on what students are learning in lessons, helping them to practise key skills, deepen understanding, and develop independence.
Homework is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure that every activity adds real value to a student’s progress. By reinforcing knowledge, encouraging curiosity, and promoting good study habits, homework plays a crucial role in supporting long-term academic success.
Progress is knowing more and remembering more.
We teach our students that they must revisit knowledge from previous lessons to transfer information from their limited working memory to their long-term memory (see diagram below).
When self-quizzing is done properly, students must think hard to recall information, a process known as retrieval practice. Retrieval practice has been proven to be the most effective way of retaining information in the long term.
Our homework timetable provides students with a consistent and predictable routine. It is designed to accelerate the learning process by showing students how to practise retrieving the information they have learned in lessons. Additionally, the online tasks offer active practice using a variety of resources. Finally, the reading homework provides the invaluable opportunity to further develop this enriching life skill.
Homework Timetables
The homework club runs daily in the library at 3 pm. Students are encouraged to drop in for support from our learning support staff and access to computers. The Library is also available daily from 07:30 am and supervised access is also available every lunchtime.
How can you help at home?
- Create a Quiet Workspace: Provide a calm, distraction-free area with a desk or table and good lighting.
- Show Interest: Ask your child what homework they have and what they’ve already completed. Encourage them to explain what they’re learning.
- Check Their Planner Regularly: Review their planner to stay informed about tasks and deadlines.
- Use the Homework Timetable: Refer to the homework timetable to help plan time effectively.
- Support Organisation Skills: Help them break tasks into manageable steps. Sparx, for example, is more effective when split into chunks of time.
- Encourage Independence: Be available for help, but let them take responsibility for completing their work.
Progress is knowing more and remembering more.
We have been teaching our students since year 7 that they must revisit knowledge from lessons in order to transfer information from their limited working memory to their long-term memory (see diagram below).
We have also been teaching the students since they arrived at Poole High that retrieval practice, or recalling information, is the most effective way to learn and remember in the long term. The students were trained on how to self-quiz properly in years 7, 8, and 9. They are now being introduced to other retrieval methods.
Our homework timetable is designed to accelerate the learning process by having a cycle of one retrieval homework and one exam practice homework per fortnight.
Homework Timetable
The homework club runs daily for Year 10 in the library at 3 pm. Students are encouraged to drop in for support from our learning support staff and access to computers. The Library is also available daily from 07:30 am. Year 10 and Year 11 have supervised access to computer rooms 70, 71, and 71a every lunchtime.
How can you help at home?
- Create a Quiet Workspace: Provide a calm, distraction-free area with a desk or table and good lighting.
- Show Interest: Ask your child what homework they have and what they’ve already completed. Encourage them to explain what they’re learning.
- Check Their Planner Regularly: Review their planner to stay informed about tasks and deadlines.
- Use the Homework Timetable: Refer to the homework timetable to help plan time effectively.
- Support Organisation Skills: Help them break tasks into manageable steps. Sparx, for example, is more effective when split into chunks of time.
- Encourage Independence: Be available for help, but let them take responsibility for completing their work.
Progress is knowing more and remembering more.
We have been teaching our students since Year 7 that they must revisit knowledge from lessons in order to transfer information from their limited working memory to their long-term memory (see diagram below).
We have also been teaching the students since they arrived at Poole High that retrieval practice, or recalling information, is the most effective way to learn and remember in the long term. The students were trained on how to self-quiz properly in years 7, 8, and 9. Throughout years 10 and 11, they were introduced to other retrieval methods.
Homework in years 12 and 13 is carefully designed to guide students in becoming more independent learners. This involves not only recalling knowledge from previous lessons but also active practice and pre-reading.
Students will receive at least 1 hour of homework per lesson across all subjects.
