Homework is set and marked in line with school policy. Homework may be either written homework or vocabulary/grammar learning homework, or a combination of the two. Written homework is marked out of ten, and an effort grade A-E is given. Whenever possible, comments are made as well as suggestions for improvement.When a GCSE exam-type task is undertaken, it is marked and graded according to the specification mark scheme. Pupils are made aware of the mark scheme, and advised on how to achieve higher grades. All homework will be completed in the front of pupils’ red (French) of yellow (Spanish) and purple (Latin) exercise books.
Vocabulary tests are marked, and re-taken when not passed. Vocabulary tests are completed on pieces of paper, and kept at the back of their exercise book. If pupils complete their homework within the allocated time for each year group, they should spend the rest of the allocated time on personal study. Some suggestions would include learning vocabulary covered in the term, and going over corrected pieces of homework to learn from their own mistakes.
Year 1
– French
Pupils are set homework once a week. Pupils should spend 30 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 2
– French (single linguists)
Pupils are set homework three times every fortnight. Pupils should spend 35 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 2
– Latin
Pupils are set homework once a week. Pupils should spend 35 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 2
– Spanish and French (dual linguists)
Pupils are set homework once every fortnight. Pupils should spend 20-25 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 3
– Spanish, French & Latin
Pupils are set homework three times every fortnight. Pupils should spend 40 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 4
– Spanish, French
Pupils are set homework three times every fortnight. Pupils should spend 45 minutes on each piece of homework.
In Spanish and French, written pieces of homework progressively develop into more extended writing. Tasks give pupils the opportunity to use a variety of tenses, vocabulary and structures, and they are advised on how to use those. Too short or incomplete pieces of writing should be attempted again.
Grades given for all homework.
Year 5
– Spanish, French & Latin
Pupils are set homework three times every fortnight. Pupils should spend 60 minutes on each piece of homework.
In Spanish and French, written pieces of homework progressively develop into more extended writing. Tasks give pupils the opportunity to use a variety of tenses, vocabulary and structures, and they are advised on how to use those. Too short or incomplete pieces of writing should be attempted again.
Time is devoted in classwork and homework to completing past papers. The grades achieved on these past papers inform the decision to enter candidates for either Foundation or Higher tier in Latin for for either Foundation or Higher tier Listening and Reading components in Spanish and French. Preparation for controlled assessment tasks also forms part of homework and classwork tasks.
AS and A level – Spanish and French
Homework in the Sixth Form is set as needed, but it is to be expected that students will spend about 3 hours per week on their Language homework.
Homework is marked according to the type of task, but an effort grade is also given. Homework includes a variety of skills – reading comprehension, listening skills, preparation for speaking tasks, and extended writing. Every piece of homework will include pointers as to how to improve performance. Whenever possible an estimated examination is given.
When completing exam tasks, homework is marked according to the examination board marking scheme. Practice of past papers is an integral part of the homework, particularly in the run up to exams.
Teachers should keep track of all pieces of homework set, as well as the marks awarded. Teachers use records of homework to track progression and advise pupils on how to improve their grades.