The importance of homework to support learning 

Rationale

At Campsmount Academy, we believe that learning deepens when students are challenged to think hard, as outlined by Coe (2013). Homework is an essential part of our curriculum offer, designed to extend and reinforce classroom learning and develop independent study habits. Our policy is underpinned by four pillars of effective homework: Access, Purposeful Thinking, Accountability, and Value.

Key Principles of Effective Homework

• Access

All students must have equitable access to homework resources. Both Sparx and Carousel Learning can be accessed on mobile phone devices. Carousel Learning will be shared with students through Microsoft Teams.

• Purposeful Thinking

Homework tasks will be carefully designed to promote deep thinking, retrieval practice, and application of knowledge. Activities will consolidate key skills and content, aligning closely with curriculum objectives and prior learning. Teachers will be designing all questions that are set, ensuring that content links directly with classwork.

• Accountability

Students are expected to complete a minimum of 20 minutes of homework each evening. Completion will be monitored by classroom teachers and form tutors, with regular follow-up for non-completion and praise for consistent effort.

• Value

Homework must be meaningful. Tasks are explicitly linked to classroom learning and include feedback—either through self-assessment or teacher response. We believe that this will have the greatest impact on student progress. We will not set homework for its own sake, but to enhance learning.

Types of LEARN homework tasks 

Sparx Maths 

As mentioned in the 'Types of Task' Table above, Maths homework is completed online and evidenced in students' planners.

All students have a log in for the SPARX website. Students will be set a task in SPARX and as they complete the questions on the online platform they write their responses in their planners. Students can speak to their Maths Teacher if they have any problems logging on.

Here is a video to give parents an overview of SPARX:

Carousel Learning 

Boost Your Memory and Improve Results: an introduction to Carousel for students

Look, Cover, Write, Check, Correct

Subject teachers will set tasks aligned with classroom content, exam specifications, and revision priorities. Where appropriate, Sparx Reader may supplement subject homework to support literacy development.

All homework must be completed and submitted by Thursday PM every week. However, students may choose to follow the timetables detailed below:

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

Suggested Day To Complete	Homework Task	Link
Friday	Sparx Reader	Sparx Reader Login
Monday	Sparx Reader	Sparx Reader Login
Tuesday	Carousel Learning-Science	Carousel Learning | Student Login
Wednesday	Sparx Maths	Sparx Maths Login
Thursday	Sparx Maths	Sparx Maths Login

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

Suggested Day To Complete	Homework Task	Link
Friday	Option Subject 1-Carousel Learning	Carousel Learning | Student Login
Monday	English-Carousel Learning
Tuesday	Science-Carousel Learning
Wednesday	Option Subject 2 (Week A) / Option 3 (Week B) Carousel Learning
Thursday	Sparx Maths	Sparx Maths Login

Please note, new homework will be available every Friday AM.

Expectations of students 

Recognition of effort  

Students will be awarded 2 reward points for each homework that is successfully completed. These reward points will contribute towards your child’s house competition. 

Achievement	Reward	When
100% completion Improved performance Consistent completion	+10 Achievement Points	Weekly
	Progress and Subject Leader nominated rewards (certificates, prize draw nominations, Achievement Points, invitations to school rewards events)	Half termly/ Termly
	Social Media Shout Outs	Weekly

Supporting students with Campsmount LEARN homework  

The academy will facilitate LEARN homework by providing a staffed homework club. The club will be held in the Library and LRC area. This homework club will be available Monday to Friday every break time. We 

What will happen if my child doesn’t complete Camspmount LEARN homework? 

Sanctions for incomplete homework:

When we review homework completion on Friday, we will assign the following sanctions for lack of completion and communicate in advance of Tuesday the following week.

Issue	Points Deducted	Day and Duration of After School Detention
Missed x1 piece of homework	-5 Achievement Points	No detention
Missed x2 pieces of homework	-10 Achievement Points	Wednesday 30 minutes
Missed x3 pieces of homework	-15 Achievement Points	Tuesday 60 minutes
Failure to attend 30-minute detention		Thursday 60 minutes
Failure to attend 60-minute detention (Tuesday or Thursday)	-20 Achievement Points May Be Allocated for Persistant Lack of Attendance	Friday Headteacher’s Detention 90 minutes

We will monitor lack of completion closely. If students’ completion does not improve, we will invite parents in to discuss further.

What We Expect

• Students should complete 100% of their homework by Thursday PM every week.
• Adjustments will be made for students with SEND, depending on their individual circumstances.

Support for Students

We want all students to feel supported.

We offer:

• Homework Club for students who need help with understanding, motivation, or access.
• Differentiated tasks and extra support for SEND students, so that homework is accessible and achievable.

How Parents Can Help

• Encourage your child to complete their homework in a quiet, distraction-free space.
• Help them build a consistent routine so homework becomes a regular habit.
• If you have technical issues throughout the year, please complete the Homework Support Form.