Syllabus Introduction - Homework Policy

Homework Policy

In the Lower School, homework is timetabled for half an hour per week. In the Upper School homework of between half an hour to an hour is given (one period a week).

Homework should be set and recorded in lesson notes and a title recorded at the top of each column in the teacher's mark book. Homework should form a logical part of the topic being studied, clearly related to what has been learnt and/or leading on to what is yet to be taught. Variety in types of homework is to be encouraged to give opportunity for pupils to demonstrate a range of skills, e.g. research, production of video, drama sketches, imagination/empathy, story-telling, report and evaluation of lesson, cartoon and/or newspaper reporting styles, interviews etc.

On the first occasion that homework is not done or handed in on time for marking, an extension may be allowed, but a warning is given by the teacher that a further failure will result in detention. A mark (e.g. a dot or small cross) should be placed in the mark book, in the top corner of the box where the mark would be entered, as a record. On the next occasion a 30 minute detention should be given using the appropriate forms. Copies are passed to the HOD and the Form Tutor, whilst the pupil takes the top copy home for parental signature. After the detention has been done, this should then be passed on to the Year Head. HOD copies will be filed in the cabinet in the RE cupboard.

Should the pupil fail to do the detention (apart, of course, for genuine reasons such as authorised absence on the day, in which case another appointment can be arranged), then he/she must be given a second and longer detention. Failure to turn up for that is a matter which should then be dealt with by the HOD, if necessary making arrangements to detain and collect the pupil at the end of his/her last lesson on a particular day. Further failure will result in the 1½ hours detention on Friday.

If, for any pupil, there appears to be a continuing problem with homework (e.g. three homework tasks not done or handed in) then the standard homework letter will be sent to parents by the HOD, a copy of the letter being given to the Year Head for reference, in case there is a similar problem in other subjects. The parental reply should be filed with the RE detention slips and a copy also sent to the Year Head.

The library is open for two afternoons after school specifically to provide a place for pupils to do their homework if they need a quiet area.

Exhibition of Work

Examples of work should be displayed in classrooms and in the corridor outside RE1 and RE2

From time to time it may be appropriate to display some work in the school library - e.g. models

There is an annual Open Evening where parents of Years 5 & 6 of local Junior schools visit to see the work of the Department. For the past two years we have based our presentation on the 5 senses – sights, sounds, aromas (candles, incense sticks), taste (various religious foods) and touch (artefacts) – of religion.

Examinations and Reports

Reports to parents are now written using the SIMS OMR system. Statement banks are in place for years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Attainment will be based on assessments made during the course of the year and upon an examination. In accordance with school policy, it will be expected, across each Year group as a whole, that grades will be achieved in roughly the following proportions:

		Grade A		15%
		Grade B		25%
		Grade C		25%
		Grade D		20%
		Grade E		10%
		Grade F/G	 5%

This expectation is based on observations of our past external examination results.

G. Jones:
The FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, Essex