Praising good work
Homework is a key priority for the School. It features prominently in the School Development Plan and is
an integral element of the learning programmes, the monitoring and assessment system, and the School's
use of 'Praise Targets'. The support of parents and carers is also seen as critical to the above
strategies.
Monitoring and assessment
Time and resources are invested into monitoring and assessment. Departmental heads are released for
set periods of time to carry out a monitoring programme within their own departments. Outputs, such
as the quality of work produced, including homework, are examined. Sample groups of pupils are also
interviewed, with the findings fed back to the SMT (senior management team).
The monitoring process includes form tutor interviews with individual pupils to review progress across
all subjects, including homework. Each week, half an hour at the end a day is set aside for interviews.
With the exception of three pupils from each tutor group to be interviewed, the remaining number of
pupils are sent home early. Each pupil is interviewed three times a year.
Prior to each interview, parents and carers are sent a questionnaire seeking their views on their
child's progress. Concerns are also requested. There is also a Pupil Self Assessment Sheet to be
completed before the interview. This includes a section on homework. A written invitation encourages
parents to join their son/daughter for the interview. The outcomes of the discussions are then
recorded on the 'Interview Record Sheet', which identifies three targets for improved performance,
negotiated with the pupil (and parent).
Often homework features within the targets, for example:
German - One extra homework a week on sentence construction. Show to Mr N in one month.
The negotiated targets are then reviewed with pupils and parents prior to the follow-up interview.
Praise targets
The idea of 'praise targets' works on the premise that pupils respond to recognition and
identification of good work, including homework. Targets are set by the SMT for awarding praise
consistently within each department. The Head aims to meet four pupils a day to discuss their
assignments with them. A personalised letter praising the
individual and the piece of work concerned, are then sent to parents.
Outcomes
Feedback from pupils, parents and staff indicate that the pupil interviews and praise targets are
valued and contribute to an enhanced level of pupil performance.
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