Homework

KS3 homework focuses on self-quizzing from the 100% books, which contains all the key knowledge for each subject, and using an exercise book which is the child’s ‘self quizzing’ book. This will ensure pupils have all the key knowledge ready to use in their lessons and will improve learning in lessons. From the second half-term, pupils are also set ‘knowledge application’ homework, set on alternate weeks from their self-quizzing tasks.  

At KS4, pupils will use self-quizzing as described in the KS3 Homework section above, and will also be set additional homework as directed by their subject teachers. For example, you might need to write an essay in English or complete a reading task for Spanish. You will get approximately 1 hour of homework per subject per week.

For Maths homework, pupils use an online platform called Sparx Maths and for science they use Seneca. Pupils will be told what to complete by their Maths and science teachers. The expectation is that pupils spend at least an hour on each per week.  If pupils are unable to use a computer at home to complete this homework, they can use the IT room every day after school from 4-5pm.  

Please click the link here How to Self Quiz for more information on completing homework. 

Sparx Maths 

As you will likely be aware your child’s maths homework is set on Sparx Maths. Sparx is an exciting online platform that offers every pupil a personalised maths homework. 

We know that you want to support your child’s maths progress so we’ve put together some FAQ’s which explain how Sparx works and why it is important to make sure that maths homework is 100% completed. 

How does Sparx homework work? 

Sparx personalises each child’s homework, creating a weekly set of questions tailored to their level of understanding and learning pace. The questions are designed to be achievable whilst offering the stretch that learners need to make progress. 

Each week, topics are set by your child’s maths teacher and will make up the majority of the homework questions. Questions from previous topics will also be included in the homework so that pupils can keep practising the skills they have learned. 

How can I help my child with their homework? 

We appreciate that you will of course want to support your child with their home learning but please try not to help them with a question until they’ve had a go first! It is really important that they complete their homework independently, and that questions are marked as correct. They can watch the support video if they need to. This way, Sparx can make sure your child continues to see homework that’s at the right level for them. 

Why does my child need to achieve 100% compulsory homework completion?  

Sparx Homework is deliberately designed to help pupils really get to grips with and understand the concepts and skills they are learning by ensuring they cover the essential building blocks needed to make progress in maths. Sparx’ research (sparx.co.uk/evidence) has shown that an average of 60 minutes a week of this type of personalised maths home learning leads to clear progress. It is therefore advised that pupils do their homework as early as possible, so they have the time to have a go themselves and seek help from their teacher if needed. Homework is not marked as complete until all compulsory questions have been answered correctly, so starting early is key to finishing before hand-in time. 

We hope you agree that Sparx will play an exciting and important role in helping your child’s understanding, success and confidence in maths to grow. 

The following link has a ‘Top Tips’ document from Sparx, detailing how to maximise its effectiveness at home: Top Tips for Sparx. 

If you have any questions about using the platform, that are not answered by visiting the website,  please do get in touch with the Head of Maths:

fwebb@houstoneschool.co.uk