Homework Guide For Parents

At Rawlins, we believe in making the most of every opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom. Our approach to homework and extended learning is designed to help students grow academically, using evidence-based strategies like retrieval practice to reinforce learning and memory. On this page, you’ll find resources that support students in reaching their full potential, including knowledge organisers, a homework guide, and recommended revision materials for each subject.

We have moved away from traditional homework, which is focused on just completing tasks. Instead, we focus on structured recall activities that reinforce what students have already learned. This helps prevent misconceptions from forming and ensures students are engaged in meaningful practice, preparing them for future success.

Our homework approach:

  • Regular, manageable tasks that build confidence
  • Retrieval practice using knowledge organisers
  • Self-quizzing and creation of flashcards or mind maps
  • Small, frequent quizzes in class to track progress

This approach ensures students are not just completing tasks but are actively learning, in line with our motto of “making the most of every opportunity.” Further information can be found on the attached leaflet, distributed at the parent information evenings earlier this year. Homework Guide for Parents

How Can Parents and Carers Help?

At Rawlins we value the partnership between home and school. Parents and carers play a key role in helping students achieve their best by:

  • Encouraging regular homework routines and reading practice
  • Encouraging a culture of improvement through practice (not perfection or getting it done! As these both lead to students thinking using AI to cheat and get it finished is helpful, when it has no impact on their learning)
  • Helping create a quiet study space.
  • Discussing what your child is learning, asking them to explain key concepts or test them on their flashcards — a great way to strengthen their understanding.

Alongside regular attendance to school, parents supporting the development of reading skills is the most impactful way to ensure your child’s academic success. We therefore have invested in SPARX Reader, and Students have scheduled reading practice through SPARX Reader each week. The most impactful routines will include a little (10-15mins) every day, as reading frequently supports vocabulary development and overall achievement.

Subject Specific Resources

English – SPARX Reader and English Student and Parent Portal

Maths – SPARX Maths

Science – SPARX Science and Science Student and Parent Portal

Knowledge Organisers

Our Knowledge Organisers summarise key information for each subject and serve as essential tools for both revision and retrieval practice. They contain the most important facts, dates, vocabulary, and concepts that students need to remember. Research shows that regularly recalling information is like exercising a muscle – it strengthens memory and leads to deeper understanding. This approach helps our students make the most of every opportunity to learn and grow.

We recommend students use their knowledge organisers in one, or more, of the following ways:

  1. Self-quizzing using the ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check and Correct’ method
  2. Creation of flashcards to practise retrieval independently or with a friend/family member
  3. Developing mind maps to connect ideas and concepts

Knowledge organisers for each term for each subject can be found by following the links below:

Term

Year Group

Link

Autumn Term 2

7

Autumn Term 2

8

Autumn Term 2

9

Autumn Term 2

10

Autumn Term 2

11

Term

Year Group

Link

Spring Terms 3 & 4

7

Spring Terms 3 & 4

8

Spring Terms 3 & 4

9

Spring Terms 3 & 4

10

Spring Terms 3 & 4

11

Term

Year Group

Link

Summer Terms 5 & 6

7

Summer Terms 5 & 6

8

Summer Terms 5 & 6

9

Summer Terms 5 & 6

10

Summer Terms 5 & 6

11

Recommended Textbooks and Revision Guides

We also have curated a list of textbooks and revision guides to further support students’ independent study. These resources align with the curriculum and provide extra practice and explanations to help students strengthen their knowledge and prepare for exams. The list can be found here: List of Resources