Alde Valley Academy

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Key Stage Four Homework

As your child enters the final phase of their school journey, the importance of effective homework and revision habits becomes even more crucial. At Alde Valley Academy, we are committed to supporting every student in developing the independent learning skills they need to succeed at GCSE and beyond.

We want to ensure you are fully informed about our expectations for homework in Years 10 and 11, and how you can best support your child at home.

🎯 Why Homework Matters in KS4

Homework is not just an extension of classwork – it is a key part of the learning process. Research by the Education Endowment Foundation shows that high-quality homework can lead to an extra 5 months of academic progress, especially at secondary level.

At Alde Valley Academy, we believe that:

  • Great homework deepens understanding and reinforces class learning
  • Students who build strong study habits are more successful at GCSE
  • Revision strategies and recall tasks help combat cognitive overload and improve long-term memory

🧠 KS4 Homework Structure

Due to the range of subjects in KS4, we do not use a single homework booklet. Instead, each subject area provides tailored resources and platforms to support learning. These are all available via Google Classroom.

🧩 Core Subjects (English, Maths, Science)

Each of these subjects sets up to 1 hour of homework per week:

  • English – set Monday, due the following Monday
  • Science – set Tuesday, due the following Tuesday
  • Maths – set Wednesday, due the following Wednesday

Students are expected to access:

  • SPARX Maths
  • SPARX Reader (English)
  • SENECA Learning (Science)

🌍 Humanities and MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)

Students will also receive weekly homework in their chosen humanities and language subjects:

  • Geography / History – via SENECA
  • French / Spanish – via Duolingo or platform set by teacher

Each subject sets up to 1 hour of homework per week, in line with GCSE expectations.

🎨 KS4 Options Subjects

Students typically take three option subjects. Homework in these areas may be:

  • Recall-based tasks using platforms or revision resources
  • Coursework preparation or completion (where applicable)

Subjects include:

  • Art, Music, Drama, DT, Computer Science
  • GCSE PE, Business Studies, Health & Social Care

Each option subject should include up to 1 hour of homework per week, with an expectation of 6 hours total per week across all options.

💻 Where to Find Homework

All KS4 homework and revision resources are available through Google Classroom. Students should be regularly checking their class pages for updates, due dates, and uploaded materials.

⏱️ What If Homework Is Not Completed?

We have clear procedures in place to support students who fall behind:

  • W2 (homework) detention if homework is not submitted on time
  • Detentions are held during Tuesday or Thursday lunchtimes
  • If a W2 is missed, this escalates to a W3 after-school detention

We understand that students may face challenges, and we encourage them to speak to their subject teachers or form tutors if they need help or extensions.

🤝 Support Available

We are here to help. If your child needs a quiet space, access to a device, or additional guidance:

  • The library is open at break and lunch
  • Oasis offers structured homework support
  • Teachers are always happy to help during or after lessons

📌 How You Can Help at Home

  • Encourage your child to follow their homework timetable
  • Help them build a quiet, consistent space to study
  • Support their use of revision platforms like SPARX and SENECA
  • Celebrate their progress and encourage resilience

Thank you for your continued support. With your help, we can make sure that every student is equipped not just to pass exams, but to become confident, independent learners.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor or subject teacher.

 

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