Homework and Self-Quizzing

For each subject, we recommend 15-30 minutes of self-quizzing. For most of that time, students will be reading the terms, covering them up, saying the definitions aloud and checking how much they got right. The self-quizzing session ends with students testing themselves by writing out what they can remember and correcting it with green pen. Students can then repeat this final step to support their retention of the knowledge.

We are recommending that parents and carers support their child to have a ‘digital detox’ time every night. We know that even just having a phone in sight erodes students’ attention and that many students have their attention split by trying to complete their homework alongside looking at their phone, listening to music or watching TV. A digital detox allows students to give their homework their full attention but that time can also be used for other important activities such as reading.

Read, Cover, Write, Check

Students should begin by setting their page up in their self-quizzing book with the title of what they’re self-quizzing on e.g. Catering and the date. They should then write out the terms that thy have been set leaving two-three lines between each word. Students should then cover all of the definitions apart from the first and the read it, cover it, say it and check it. If they get it right, they move on and quiz themselves on the next item and so on. Finally, students cover up all of the definitions and write out what they can remember – this will likely not be perfect and that’s OK! Finally, students check their answers using a green pen. They will tick any definitions which are correct, correct any spelling mistake or errors and add in any missing words.

Please see below for video tutorials: 

Set up, read and cover

Write, check and repeat

We have published homework and self-quizzing timetables for each year group. For KS3, we set certain subjects on certain nights but when students do their homework is a matter for them – we know that lots of our students have other commitments outside of school so some days work better than others. The key thing is that they complete their homework within the week it is set and have it ready for their tutor to check the following week. 

There is a daily homework club. Students can use this time to complete homework in a quiet environment. Your child’s tutor and subject teachers can also provide support and guidance. If you have any questions about homework, please contact your child’s tutor.

Self-quizzing is checked during tutor time on Flashcard Friday (year 8-11) or a Thursday for year 7.

• Make sure your child brings their blue folder, self-quizzing book and knowledge booklet to school every day.
• Check the self-quizzing timetable and encourage them to complete their homework.
• Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.
• Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions; a ‘digital detox’ provides the best conditions for learning.
• Be positive about homework; tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.
• Test your child – pick up the knowledge booklet, give them a term and see if they can tell you the definition. Little and often works well to support long-term learning.
• Help your child with time management. Help them to establish a set time each day for doing homework and don‘t let your child leave homework until just before bedtime.
• Encourage your child to attend homework club which runs every day after school.
• If you have any questions, contact your child’s tutor who is well-placed to support them.