Homework Policy
We are launching a new Homework Policy at Stafford Manor High School, launching in January 2025.
This homework policy is geared around independence and preparation.
Please read below to see how it will be implemented.
The Purpose of Homework
Homework should be purposeful, and not just for the sake of it. As a result, we have structured our homework around the two assessment windows that come up throughout the year.
Your homework is to prepare resources to help you in those assessments, so that when the assessments come around, you are spending the time revising instead of making the resources.
One of the biggest mistakes when revising is someone thinking they are revising - but all they are doing is making a revision resource. Revision is using that resource to test yourself - how much do you know? How are you going to learn it? So, by starting early, you will have more time to prepare for those assessments which will hopefully result in better grades.
The phases below show how to get started:
Part One: Homework Schedule:
Each day, there will be a subject focus. Your task is to pick a subject (try not to choose the same subject each week) and prepare a revision resource for that subject. The route will look slightly different if you are in KS3 (Year 7-9) or KS4 (Year 10-11)
KS3
Monday
KS4
English or French
English
KS3
Tuesday
KS4
Maths or Computing
Maths
KS3
Wednesday
KS4
Science or PE
Science
KS3
Thursday
KS4
Art, DT or Performing Arts
Any Option Subject
KS3
Friday
KS4
Geography, History or SEL
Any Option Subject
Phase Two: Accessing the Resources
For your year group, go to your assessment section below (or from the homepage):
Once there, scroll down to the subject you have chosen. There will be a wealth of resources there that you can select for your subject. Your homework is to do something with that information.
You could:
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Make revision flash cards
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Make a revision poster on things you don't know.
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Attempt past paper questions if they are present.
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Attempt SENECA/GCSE Pod revision resources if they are present (KS4 only)
Phase Three: Show your tutor
On the relevant day (e.g. English on Monday), your tutor will ask to see your homework. They will be hand out achievement points for anyone that completes their homework on that day.
If you complete 5 pieces of homework throughout the week, you will get an extra 5 achievement points.
Phase Four: Rewards
At the end of each half term, there will be rewards based on homework completion. The more achievement points for homework you achieve, the more chances of winning!
Potential prizes are 'skip the queue' passes, 'VIP Lounge' tokens, celebration lunches and raffle prizes.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What happens if my teacher has set me homework?
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This will take priority. Complete it for your teacher, but don't forget to show your tutor (even if it isn't the right day for that subject!) - You don't have to do two pieces for that subject unless you want to.
2. What happens if my homework is to do something in school - such as going to Art after school sessions?
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Go to these sessions - they will count for your art homework for the week. Just ask your teacher to log this on Class Charts the same way they would do in tutor - you will still be rewarded.
3. Do I have to do the homework the night before? What happens if I am busy?
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No! The beauty of this is you know the homework schedule, so you can work around it. You could do all 5 pieces at the same time if you wanted to - at the weekend, or any other time. Work around your schedule.
4. What will we do with the work? I don't want to lose it.
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In tutor you will be given a folder to store any work - so try to keep it to A4 paper max.
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You will be able to store all of your revision material there so that you don't lose it - then take it home in the build up to any assessments.
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However, if you would rather keep it at home, please do so - it is for you and you can use it however you see fit!
5. I, or my tutor, was absent. Can I still get rewarded?
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Of course! Bring it with you the next time you are in (or your tutor if they were off) and ask them to put achievement points on for you!
Examples of good work: Flash Cards
What are flash cards?
Flash cards are small cards used to help you revise key information. One side usually has a question, keyword, diagram, or prompt, and the other side has the answer or explanation. They are commonly used to revise definitions, equations, processes, and facts.
How should you use flash cards?
Flash cards work best when you test yourself, rather than just reading them.
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Look at the front and try to recall the answer
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Turn the card over to check your response
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Sort cards into piles (e.g. confident / need more practice)
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Revisit harder cards more often
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Use them regularly in short sessions rather than long cramming sessions
Why are flash cards important for learning?
Flash cards are powerful because they use active recall, which strengthens memory more effectively than rereading notes. They also support spaced practice, allowing you to revisit topics over time, which helps information move into long-term memory.
Used consistently, flash cards help improve:
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Memory retention
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Exam confidence
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Speed and accuracy when answering questions
They are one of the most effective and evidence-based revision tools available.
Examples of good work: Mind Maps
What are mind maps?
Mind maps are visual diagrams used to organise information around a central topic. The main idea is placed in the centre, with branches spreading out to show key themes, facts, processes, or examples. Mind maps use keywords, colour, and simple images to show how ideas are connected.
How should you use mind maps?
Mind maps are most effective when you create them yourself, rather than just looking at completed ones.
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Start with a clear central topic
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Add main branches for key ideas or subtopics
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Use short keywords, not full sentences
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Use colour to group related ideas
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Try to recreate a mind map from memory to test your understanding
They work well for planning answers, summarising topics, and seeing the “big picture” of a subject.
Why are mind maps important for learning?
Mind maps help learners understand connections between ideas, rather than memorising facts in isolation. This supports deeper understanding and makes information easier to recall.
They are particularly useful for:
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Organising complex topics
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Identifying links between concepts
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Reducing large amounts of content into manageable summaries
Mind maps encourage active thinking, making them a valuable tool for both revision and long-term learning.
Examples of good work: Practice Questions
What are past paper questions?
Past paper questions are real exam questions taken from previous exam papers. They show exactly how topics are assessed and the style of language, command words, and structure used by exam boards. This is mainly used by GCSE students, but is equally useful for any age.
How should you use past paper questions?
Past paper questions are most effective when used after learning the content, to practise applying knowledge.
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Look up your exam board using the year group pages (Year 10 / Year 11)
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Into search for your subject and exam board: e.g. "combined science chemistry past papers Edexcel" (some might already be on the year group pages above)
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Download the past paper and the mark scheme.
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Attempt questions without notes first
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Use the mark scheme to check accuracy and exam wording
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Identify where marks were gained or lost
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Rewrite answers to improve them
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Focus on common command words (e.g. describe, explain, evaluate)
Start with individual questions before moving on to full papers.
Why are past paper questions important for learning?
Past paper questions help bridge the gap between knowing content and using it in an exam. They build familiarity with exam structure and improve timing, confidence, and technique.
Regular practice helps students:
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Understand what examiners are looking for
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Apply knowledge accurately
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Reduce exam anxiety through familiarity