Forest gate community school 9

Homework

Homework at Forest Gate Community School

At Forest Gate Community School, homework is an essential part of learning. It is designed to strengthen long-term memory, secure knowledge, and prepare pupils for success in exams and beyond.

Our Approach

  • All homework is set via the DPR and is linked to the relevant knowledge objectives for each subject and year group.

  • Homework tasks are concise and primarily paper-based, such as exam-style questions and retrieval practice. Online platforms may be used to support learning, but they do not replace homework.

  • Every subject sets homework weekly. In Science, separate homework is set for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Homework by Key Stage

Years 7–9 : Memory Booklets

  • Homework is based on Memory Key Objectives (MKOs) and uses the school’s Memory Booklets.

  • Each booklet clearly directs pupils to the knowledge they need to memorise.

  • Pupils continue practising earlier MKOs even after they are mastered, to keep knowledge secure.

  • Teachers set tasks in DPR with references to the specific MKO and booklet section.

  • Where pupils have fully secured all MKOs, they may be set alternative homework linked to a Core KO, while MKOs are still periodically checked.

Years 10–11 : Core Knowledge

  • Homework is linked to Core Key Objectives (KOs) and focuses on new or prior knowledge, never on unseen content.

  • Tasks are concise, exam-focused, and paper-based.

Submitting Homework

Pupils can evidence homework in three ways:

  1. Handing in the completed paper task in class.

  2. Uploading their work to the DPR.

  3. Demonstrating secure recall in lessons (no upload required).

Assessing Homework Quality

Teachers check and record the quality of homework in the DPR. Methods include:

  • Marking paper tasks.

  • Using multiple-choice questions or QR-linked quizzes.

  • Structured peer assessment.

DPR Judgements

After homework is checked, staff update the relevant KO judgement in the DPR:

  • Developing – some recall shown

  • Consolidating – most recall secure

  • Secured – full recall demonstrated

If Homework Is Not Completed

Pupils who do not complete homework, or who consistently submit weak work, are placed in a centralised detention. Persistent issues are addressed with both the pupil and their family.