Home Learning
Research over several years in this country and abroad has shown that there is a positive relationship between time spent on home learning and students’ overall achievement at secondary school level.
Home Learning is set because it not only reinforces classroom learning, but also helps young people to develop skills and attitudes they need for successful lifelong learning. It supports the development of independent learning skills, including the habits of enquiry and investigation.
At St Albans Girls’ School, Home Learning is an integral part of the curriculum; it is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning. Home Learning tasks are selected ensuring they are appropriate to the age, ability and circumstances of the students.
Each subject has a programme of Home Learning tasks linked to the programme of study. Home Learning can be completed at home but can also be completed at school. The Library Resource Centre (LRC), for example, is open each morning at 8.15am and closes at 4.30pm as well as being open to students at break and lunch time. In addition, many departments will organise after school and lunch time study sessions to help students with their studies.
Home Learning for Years 7-9 will be set as follows with each task lasting 20 minutes for Year 7, 30 minutes for Year 8 and 40 minutes for Year 9. Optional Take it Further tasks are set by departments as per the Home Learning timetable below they are optional tasks offered to students:
YEAR 7 | Home Learning activity will take a maximum of 20 minutes to complete |
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1 Home Learning activity per week - Maths, English, Science, French and Spanish | |
1 Home Learning activity per fortnight - Design & Technology, REP, Art, History and Geography |
YEAR 8 | Home Learning activity will take a maximum of 30 minutes to complete |
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1 Home Learning activity per week - Maths, English, Science, French and Spanish | |
1 Home Learning activity per fortnight - Design & Technology, REP, Art, History and Geography |
YEAR 9 | Home Learning activity will take a maximum of 40 minutes to complete |
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1 Home Learning activity per week - Maths, English, Science, French and Spanish | |
1 Home learning activity per fortnight - Design & Technology, REP, Art, History and Geography |
YEARS 10 & 11 | Home Learning activity will take a maximum of 60 minutes to complete |
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English, Maths, Science and Art will set two Home Learning tasks per week and other examination subjects will set one Home Learning task per week. Each will take up to 60 minutes to complete. | |
Drama students will be set practical rehearsals in the lead up to exam performances and these may require more time. |
YEARS 12 and 13 | Students are expected to spend approximately 3 hours a day on Home Learning |
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Post 16 courses impose greater demands than GCSEs and a need for flexible approaches to Home Learning. Students will be expected to record Home Learning/preparation set and to spend about three hours on home learning per day. |