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Home learning
Home learning is an important part of how we support student progress at Arnewood. Tasks are designed to reinforce and extend what students are learning in the classroom - not to create pressure, but to build the habits of independent study that will serve them well beyond school. We use Microsoft Teams to set and manage all home learning tasks, and Sparx for English, Maths and Science.
Teachers check completion regularly and will follow up with students where tasks are missed. We see home learning as a partnership - and as an opportunity to build the kind of study habits that will serve students well for life. If your child is struggling with home learning, or you have any concerns about the work being set, please don't hesitate to get in touch with their tutor - we're always happy to help.
If you have any issues accessing Microsoft Teams or need support with login details, please contact the school office or your child's tutor.
The home learning timetable for each year group is below: this outlines the subjects and days on which tasks are set. We hope this helps to maintain clarity and consistency for families.
- English, Maths, Science: 1 hour per week (via Sparx – retrieval/reading)
- Languages: 1 hour per week (vocabulary retrieval)
- History & Geography (Y8–9 only): 30 minutes per week (retrieval)
- Creative subjects (Y9 only): Half-termly projects (retrieval, application, exploration)
- Other subjects are supported through the extra-curricular programme.
- English, Maths, Science: 1 hour per week (via Sparx)
- GCSE Option Subjects: 1 hour per week (retrieval)
Homework is scheduled to spread workload across the week:
| Day | Year 10 | Year 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Maths and Science | Maths and Science |
| Tuesday | Block A and E | Block E and C |
| Wednesday | English | Block A and B |
| Thursday | Block C and D | English |
| Friday | Block B | Block D |
Sparx home learning - support and expectations
English, Maths and Science home learning is set via the online Sparx platform. To support pupils with their Sparx home learning in English, Maths, and Science, we are providing additional below.
Help is also available in school: pupils can attend staffed help sessions in an IT room, and our Homework Club runs from 3pm to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Library. In addition, the Library is open from 8am, at break, lunch, and until 4pm each day, offering a quiet space for study and access to resources. Please see the attached home learning guidance.
Thank you once again for your continued support in helping us to maintain high standards and positive learning habits.
| Subject | Homework Expectations | Support Structures | Feedback and Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | Students have a week to complete one hour of Sparx homework. It is set on Monday and checked the following Tuesday. Feedback is given during Tuesday's lesson. Expectations for completion percentage will increase over the year. | Drop-in clinic available Monday lunchtime in I64. Mrs Atkins is available in the library at break times for Sparx Reader support. | Feedback given during lessons. STAR points awarded for 100% completion. Detentions issued for no attempt. |
| English | One hour of homework weekly, split between Sparx Reader and vocabulary practice. Tasks set and collected on the same day each week. Sparx Reader develops comprehension; vocabulary practice includes spelling, matching meanings, and sentence usage. | Drop-in clinic in I64 on Monday lunchtimes. Mrs Atkins is available in the library at break times for Sparx Reader suppo | Teachers check completion weekly and give feedback during lessons. STAR points for consistent effort and full completion. Detentions issued for no or very little attempt. |
| Science | One hour of Sparx Science homework per week. Task goes live Monday morning and is due the following Monday evening. Sparx provides retrieval practice and adapts question difficulty. This provides a structure long-term revision programme to supports what pupils are learning in their science lessons. | Two opportunities to attend Sparx support sessions on Monday lunchtimes in I64. |
Teachers will check if pupils have completed one hour of home learning after the Monday deadline. If a pupil completes their task in less than an hour then they are encouraged to go onto the extension task. Feedback given via 'Do now' tasks in lessons using Sparx insights. STAR points for effort and completion. Detentions issued for not meeting these expectations. |
- A minimum of 1 hour per week per exam unit/teacher (retrieval, research, extended reading)
Need support with home learning?
Our Home Learning Club runs from 3pm to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Library. Drop-in Sparx support sessions are available on Monday lunchtimes in I64. The Library is open from 8am, at break, lunch and until 4pm every day - a quiet space for study and access to resources.