CTC Kingshurst Academy: Homework and Enrichments

Homework and Enrichments

Homework

The Purpose of Homework

There are a variety of reasons why we feel homework is important:

it establishes confidence in the eyes of the parents, Governors and Industry and is an expectation of all those connected with a good College.

it involves parents, other relatives and possibly members of the community in the work of students.
it enables class work to concentrate on those activities requiring the presence of a teacher.

it makes possible the use of materials and sources of information not normally available in the classroom.

it increases the time spent on each subject and allows time for the practice and revision of the skills and knowledge acquired in College. It gives students the chance to develop initiative, independent study skills, self discipline and perseverance.

Homework Times

At the beginning of the first year, staff should aim for about 20 minutes per subject. In setting homework at the beginning of the student�s time at Kingshurst we should be aware that many students will not be used to doing homework. As a result, they may be relatively inefficient in carrying out the allocated tasks. We must be sympathetic to this, must strive to allay student anxieties over the work they are doing, and must try to ensure that students don�t work all evening on items of homework, but at the same time, we need to identify any students who are failing to make a reasonable attempt. In general, we need to guide them into appropriate homework habits.

Homework Timetables

Below are links to download* homework timetables for the listed years:

*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Windows users Right-Click>Save Target As... Macintosh users Option-Click to download.

Enrichments

One of the most unusual, innovative and frequently praised areas of the curriculum at the College is the enrichment programme. This is an opportunity for each student to devote time to up to two different subjects of their choice. Students select termly from a choice of over 100 options. The list changes according to staff and student interest. Two enrichments are held on Tuesday afternoons.

They provide an opportunity for new skills to be developed and new experiences to be gained. They also provide an opportunity for students of different ages to meet and work together. Staff and students benefit from the programme and sessions though busy, are generally relaxed and close relationships can be developed..

Year 10 and 11 students can also choose Enrichment courses, which allow them to support their normal curriculum subjects.

The general aims of the programme are:

to promote individual interests in ways not generally possible within the normal curriculum
to extend the framework for stimulating and varied experiences beyond the classroom
to enable students to share and develop interests and enthusiasms with staff
to give students the opportunity to experience learning and success in a wider context
to enable staff and students to develop relationships in a less formal and more relaxed environment.