Principles
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Research indicates that the influence of homework on learning consistently yields positive results, leading to an average of five months' additional progress.
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Studies demonstrate that in the most effective instances, homework is an integral part of learning, not merely an addition.
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Complex or open-ended homework is often completed less effectively; short, frequent homework closely monitored by teachers is likely to have a more significant impact.
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A recent study investigating the correlation between time spent on homework and academic achievement revealed that pupils completing homework independently for 60-70 minutes daily experienced the most substantial impact (Institute for Effective Education, 2015).
Independent Study at Ark Boulton Academy
We expect the following from our pupils:
- Pupils should complete Sparx Reading Practice weekly
- Pupils should follow the study timetable below, completing their studies as directed by their class teachers
- Pupils should complete their Core Knowledge self-quizzing, and their online work using Sparx Maths, Seneca, and Language Nut, which is recorded in Microsoft Assignments in Microsoft Teams.
Core and Foundational Knowledge
Core Knowledge Organisers
At Ark Boulton, our expert teachers have created a Core Knowledge Organiser. This document includes all the essential information your child needs for their subjects. It uses accurate academic terms and matches what they learn in class. This helps your child understand what they need to learn and reduces confusion. The organiser highlights key knowledge and concepts, helping your child remember the most important information for assessments.
You can find the termly Core Knowledge Organisers at the bottom of the page.
Consolidate Foundational Knowledge
We use online platforms to help pupils to see how Core Knowledge fits into a bigger picture. This is dependent on a pupil's Key Stage.
| Subject | Core Knowledge | Application - Key Stage 3 | Application - Key Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Carousel | Sparx Reader | Sparx Reader |
| Maths | Carousel | Sparx Maths | Sparx Maths |
| Science | Carousel | SENECA | |
| Geography | Carousel | SENECA | |
| History | Carousel | SENECA | |
| MFL | Carousel | Language Nut | Language Nut |
| RE | Carousel | SENECA | |
| Computer Science | Carousel | SENECA | |
| PE | Carousel | ||
| Personal Development | Carousel | ||
| Art | Carousel | ||
| Music | Carousel | ||
| Drama | Carousel | ||
| Child Development | Carousel | ||
| Media Studies | Carousel |
At Ark Boulton, we are committed to ensuring every student can access learning that supports their progress and personal development. Following the completion of NGRT assessments, we identify pupils who will benefit from a more personalised curriculum. These pupils are follow adapted lesson pathways, and to complement this, they also follow a tailored independent study programme.
This programme is designed to reinforce key skills and promote confidence in core areas of learning. Students in the following classes will engage with the following platforms:
- Doodle Maths – to strengthen numeracy foundations
- Sparx Reader – to develop reading fluency and comprehension
- Flash Academy – where relevant, to support English language acquisition
These platforms have been selected for their accessibility, adaptability, and proven impact. This approach ensures that all students continue to build independence and make meaningful progress beyond the classroom.
Independent Learning at Key Stage 3
Pupils should spend 30 minutes on each of their Carousel subjects each session and 30 minutes on their online work each week.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9) Timetable
|
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Weekly |
|
Subject |
Maths |
English |
Science |
Geography |
RE and Personal Development |
Sparx Reader Sparx Maths |
|
Subject |
PE |
Computer Science |
MFL |
History |
Drama, Music and Art |
Language Nut |
Independent Learning at Key Stage 4
Pupils should should spend 30 minutes on Carousel and 30 minutes on their work per subject, per session.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) Timetable
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
Maths Carousel and Sparx Maths |
English Carousel and Sparx Reader |
Science Carousel and SENECA |
RE and Option A Carousel and SENECA (where available) |
Option B and C Carousel and SENECA (where available) |
The timetables above are very much recommended, but we recognise that pupils may be busy some evenings, or they may prefer to work at the weekend. This gives pupils the flexibility to complete their studies at a time that is convenient for them and their families.
The Role of the Pupil
- Pupils will use their Microsoft Teams page and assignment functions to manage their independent study. They are expected to complete all tasks before the deadline.
- Pupils will use the independent learning timetable to plan their time each evening to avoid missing subjects
- Pupils will complete all work set to the best of their ability
- Pupils will seek assistance from staff if they have issues with accessing online providers or internet connection.
- Pupils will report issues or damages to their laptop to their form tutor as soon as they occur.
The Role of the Parent / Carer
Working together will help our pupils to be successful. Parents and carers can support in the following ways:
- Allocating a quiet study space at home
- Check MCAS to see what work has been set for their child
- Testing their child on what they have learnt using the Core Knowledge Organiser
- Asking their child what they have learnt
- Setting targets together
- Familiarising themselves with Sparx, Seneca and Microsoft Assignments
- Visit the Parent Hub (Subjects) to access information and 'how-to' guides
- Attending parent / carer sessions on how to support their child's independent learning.
Rewards
Pupils will be asked to show class teachers their completed core knowledge work in lessons and teachers will use the monitoring tools on the online platforms to assess completion. All pupils are expected to obtain a score of at least 80% on an online task for it to be considered complete.
Pupils who complete all work to the correct standard will receive a merit.
- Each week, class teachers will select a 'pupil of the week' who will achieve an exceptional recognition certificate for independent study
- Each term, Directors of Faculty and Subject Leads will select a 'study champion' for each Year Group – someone who goes above and beyond in their independent learning and they will receive the 'study champion' badge.
Useful Study Links
Microsoft Teams website. Pupils may sign in with their academy email account. NOTE: Please open the MS Teams App for better functionality.
Carousel Learning
Online platform for self-quizzing and recall – accessed via the link on your TEAMS page.
Sparx Reader where you will find your English study.
For Maths
For Science and other subjects
Language Nut is where you will find your online learning for French and Spanish
Research
Research underpinning the Ark Boulton Academy approach to Independent Learning
- Brown, E.R., Culora, A. and Ilie, S. (2021) Independent analysis of the relationship between Sparx ..., Cambridge Educational Research (Accessed 01 September 2024)
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Dabell, J. (2019) Research Analysis: Getting the most out of homework, SecEd (Accessed 15 July 2024)
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EEF. (2021) Homework, EEF (Accessed: 15 July 2024)
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Hallam, S., 2006. Homework: its uses and abuses. London: Institute of Education, University of London