We regularly discuss the importance of homework at Durham Johnston. There is a significant amount of research into the relative importance of homework and all schools develop an approach based upon their own ethos and context.  At Durham Johnston we believe that the amount of homework set should be based upon the professional judgement of the teacher. Each teacher has an awareness of the ability of the individual and class being taught and, therefore, our teachers are best placed to make a judgement about the level and type of homework that is most appropriate. It is also normal at Durham Johnston for different subjects to approach homework in a distinct subject specific way.

 

We feel that homework is most effective when it is used in one of the following ways:

To Help Students Get Ready.

This is homework that helps students to prepare for upcoming lessons. It is when students revise, or prepare for lessons, assessments and tests. This type of homework is set to emphasise the need for organisation and preparation. Its success can be measured, or monitored, by performance in assessments. This may also involve finishing work that has been started in class so that students are ready to start at the same point as all other class members in the next lesson.
This will usually be homework set for the whole class.

 

To Help Students Get Better.

This is homework that is intended to provide opportunities for students to practise.  If students struggle with an idea or concept they can read more, ask for additional work, or be given additional work. This will be based upon the professional judgement of the teacher, or via a request from the student or parent/guardian. This might involve completing an assessment again if the grade/level is below expectation, or if a KS4 student needs to complete past exam papers.  
This will usually be homework set for particular groups or individuals.

 

To Help Students Go Further.

This is homework that is intended to provide opportunities to complete additional research or to pursue a particular, subject specific, interest. Each department will provide suggested reading lists and websites that might help to contextualise the student’s understanding or that may help them to develop an interest in the subject.
This will usually be homework set for particular groups or individuals.