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

 

LEARN homework task setting and checking 

Students are expected to complete LEARN homework every day. All homework is set online via Sparx Reader, Sparx Maths, Carousel Learning and Timestable Rockstars (KS3 only). Please see the schedules below:

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

Day	Homework Task
Monday	Sparx Reader
Tuesday	Sparx Reader
Wednesday	Carousel Learning-Science
Thursday	Timestable Rockstars
Friday	Sparx Maths

Please note: Students are encouraged to read daily and complete set tasks on digital platforms. Carousel Learning will be used to revisit prior knowledge through retrieval practice.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

Day	Homework Task
Monday	Option Subject 1-Carousel
Tuesday	English-Carousel
Wednesday	Science-Carousel
Thursday	Option Subject 2 (Week A) / Option 3 (Week B) Carousel OR Sparx Reader
Friday	Sparx Maths

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.

Expectations of students 

Recognition of effort  

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

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.

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

Homework completion is checked daily. Students who complete their work will earn achievement points. Those who don’t complete it will receive:

• A 30-minute detention
• If not attended, this will escalate to a Friday Headteacher’s Detention (2 hours 30 minutes)

What We Expect

• Students should aim to complete 80% or more of their homework each day.
• Adjustments will be made for students with SEND, depending on their individual circumstances.
• On Carousel Learning, students must click ‘Submit’ after completing a task—otherwise, it may appear unfinished.

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

• Familiarise yourself with the homework schedule on our website and newsletters.
• 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.