Home Learning
Homework
Introduction and Purpose of Home Learning
Homework is an essential part of learning beyond the classroom. It reinforces knowledge and understanding of key concepts, builds independent study habits and strengthens the partnership between school and home. Parental engagement is key. We welcome working with families to help monitor homework and daily reading to help the children of LCA to further unlock the curriculum and exceed their potential.
Why LCA Homework Matters
- Connects Learning: Homework links directly to classroom content and curriculum sequencing.
- Supports Memory: Tasks use spaced practice and interleaving to improve retention and retrieval.
- Promotes Literacy: Activities may include exploring word origins (etymology) and subject-specific vocabulary.
- Ignites Curiosity: Homework encourages students to extend classroom learning into real-world contexts.
- Focus on Quality: Homework should be purposeful and high-quality, not simply about quantity.
- Develops Study Skills: Revision, pre-learning of new content and independent learning habits are embedded throughout all year groups.
Homework Timetable
KS3 Students (Up to 5 hours per week)
Students are expected to complete SPARX Maths, English, Science and language online learning per week. This homework supports learning in the classroom. Students are expected to complete LCA homework, designed to spark curiosity about the world around them and its history. Homework set aims to spark ideas, encourage communication and research skills about people, art and cultures that you might not otherwise encounter.
KS4 Students (Up to 10 Hours per Week)
Homework will intertwine with study skills and preparation for coursework and examinations. Students are learning to prioritise, manage time and learning commitments and by now have a good idea of their interests and have chosen subjects that they fully enjoy engaging with further through inquisitiveness.
Balanced Homework Approach
Our homework design combines digital tools with offline tasks to maintain a healthy balance. Online platforms like SPARX are planned homework by teachers, but the platforms support teacher planning by utilising intelligent algorithms to identify gaps and provide instant feedback, helping students progress effectively. Alongside this, home learning includes pre-reading and short written activities that consolidate classroom learning and prepare students for upcoming lessons. This mix ensures purposeful study without excessive screen time. We value the quality of homework over the quantity.
Homework Club
If students struggle with time management, accessing homework or have gaps in their learning and need assistance, students can be referred to the Homework Club by themselves; parents, carers and teachers. The Homework Club can help with low attendance, learning gaps and learning support.
To access Homework Club please contact your child’s tutor or email Miss Hicks: bhicks@looeca.net
Self-study and Revision links
Please find links below to some downloadable 'How to...' guides for accessing Microsoft 365 (for student email accounts, Microsoft Teams etc) and our homework platform Satchel One (also known as Show my homework).
We encourage students to engage in self-study and revision at home. To help them, please find links below to our Curriculum Area where they will find lots of useful resources.
- Curriculum
- Curriculum - English & Languages
- Curriculum - Humanities and Social Sciences
- Curriculum - STEM - Science, Technology & Maths
- Curriculum - Creative Arts
- Curriculum - Physical Education
- Curriculum - PSHCE
- Curriculum - Reading
Students can also use the following learning resources which offer a wide range of lessons, quizzes and learning materials.
https://www.carousel-learning.com/
https://www.thenational.academy/
"Homework in secondary schools can lead to an average of five months' additional progress, and parental engagement strategies can add up to four months’ progress when effectively implemented."
(Education Endowment Foundation – Teaching and Learning Toolkit, 2021)