According to John Hattie, a renowned education researcher from New Zealand, homework at secondary level has an effect size of d= 0.64. An effect size of 0.2 is small, 0.4 is medium and 0.6 is large. Hattie argues that for any educational approach to be effective, it requires an effect size of above 0.4. On this basis, homework for secondary students has an ‘excellent’ effect. 

There are two main purposes of homework:

1. To provide opportunities for extended practice: Giving students tasks that enable them to improve their fluency and confidence; tasks that support deeper and more fluent recall. Lesson time is not enough on its own and students need structured guidance to support their practice activities.

2. To develop students’ capacity for independent learning: This includes giving students tasks that encourage them to explore subjects in self-directed and/ or creative ways, to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning and to prepare for lessons so that teachers’ input is optimised given the time constraints.

Homework timetables are written for Y7-8 by the Head of Year. They are given to students and sent home to parents outlining the requirements for each subject.

Years 9-13 follow a broader homework schedule where students are given greater independence to organise their work; a schedule is produced by the Head of Year for staff to follow. It is given to students and sent home to parents outlining the requirements for each subject. 

Staff are asked not to routinely set homework for the next day; however, on occasion a small task such as pre-reading or preparation may be required.

For more information, please see our full Homework policy.