Students who are successful are those 'who have highly developed independent learning skills, have the capacity to lead the learning process through their questions and ideas and, crucially, are resilient and resourceful' in their learning.
All home learning will be set via Class Charts for Years 7 to 11 and in Microsoft Teams for Sixth Form students. Students have been given their own user account details which can be accessed online via their mobile, tablet or PC device. Parents/carers also have an account to help them monitor their son or daughter's home learning through Class Charts. If parents/carers do not have their login details, please contact the school office using office@highdown.reading.sch.uk .
Please find the home learning timetables for each year group in the documents below as well as instructions on how to make online submissions of remote learning through Class Charts.
FAQs
What can I do if my child is stuck with their home learning?
If your child is struggling with their home learning a good idea is to go back over the task with them to ensure that they understand. If you feel that you can help them then please do so, but avoid completing the work for them. Student should also have time to go and speak to their teacher who has set the home learning task. An alternative is to contact a friend in the same class who has been set the same task, or maybe an older sibling who may remember doing something similar. This is why it is best to do home learning on the day that it is set so that they will have the time to check on any problems.
How much am I expected to help my child?
There is usually no expectation for you to help your child, unless they are struggling with the work and you feel that you are able to help them. Most work should be able to be completed individually. There are exceptions where the home learning activity may be to discuss something with you, or find out something from you.
How long should a piece of home learning take?
The expected length for home learning will be indicated on Class Charts. Our rough guideline is a minimum of 30 minutes per subject in years 7 to 9, then 45-60 minutes in years 10 and 11. Activities will vary in length depending on the nature of the task.
Do all subjects set home learning on a weekly basis?
No. Most subjects will set a piece of home learning every week, though there are exceptions. Please look at the relevant Home Learning timetable on our website to see when home learning should be expected to be set. Some subjects, e.g. Religious Studies, who only see their classes once a week, will set home learning every other week. Some pieces of work may be extended tasks and therefore will be set for a period of time over a number of weeks. Please use your login details and check Class Charts to access your child’s home learning calendar and tasks.
What can I do if I feel my child is getting too much/ not enough home learning?
If you feel that the amount of home learning being set for your child is excessive or too little then please contact their mentor. They will have an overview of the student and will be able to identify why this is the case. They can then go about contacting the class teachers to help explore the issue.
Where should my child complete their home learning activities?
Every child works differently, but it is best to work in a quiet and clear environment for example a dining room table or desk. It would be very helpful if they are somewhere in which they are unlikely to be disturbed or distracted. They should only be accessing the computer if it is necessary for the task. Sitting in front of the TV/ on social media/ on mobile phone can be very disruptive for work and can make it take a lot longer and be of a lower quality. They can also make use of our after school Home Learning clubs in The Gallery or use any of the computer clubs at lunchtime.
What should I do if I think my child is receiving home learning that is too hard/ too easy for them?
If you think the work is not at the right level then the best person to contact would be the teacher that set the work. It may be that the task was designed to stretch the class, or to ensure that they all consolidated the learning in the lesson. Some tasks may also be designed to prepare students for the next lesson, and this may be an easier task though very valuable. Feel free to add a comment in their exercise book next to the work a PRI [Parents response is...].
How else can I help my child with their school work other than through their home learning?
There are many other ways to develop your child’s learning outside the classroom. Always encourage them to read a wide variety of texts – newspapers, magazines, books -‐ and it helps to demonstrate that you are a reader too. Encourage them to watch TV programmes on subjects they may be studying or that may be on a subject that you think will interest them. It is also very important to talk to your child about their day and what they have learnt. You could even ask them to teach you about it -‐ the best way to learn is to teach someone else.
What are the consequences of my child not completing their home learning?
If home learning is not completed your child is missing out on key work. It may be work to test skills, consolidate knowledge or prepare for the next lesson. If home learning is not completed your child can expect to receive a detention with their teacher/within the curriculum area. If it becomes a regular occurrence longer detentions and further sanctions will be applied.
If you have any questions about home learning at Highdown School, please contact John Reid [Deputy Head, Curriculum and Learning.