Homework at Padgate Academy

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Setting regular and routine homework is a fundamental element of extending learning beyond the classroom. 

The aim of setting homework is to:

1. Develop fluency through practice.

2. Develop students as independent learners and thinkers.

Why Homework Matters

Research consistently supports the role of homework in improving student outcomes—when it is purposeful and well-structured. According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), secondary school students can make up to five months’ additional progress over the course of a year. High-impact homework reinforces classroom learning, encourages independent study skills, and supports long-term knowledge retention.

Effective homework also cultivates essential habits such as self-regulation, responsibility, and time management—skills that are crucial for post-16 study and lifelong learning.

Homework will support key learning and help students recall, extend, and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. Tasks will focus on:

• Retrieval      Practice (e.g., quizzes, knowledge organiser      tests)
• Consolidation      of Current Topics (reviewing weekly learning)
• Preparation      for Future Learning (pre-learning)

Homework Platforms

Most homework will be set using the online learning platforms such as Sparx and SENECA. All students have been provided with logins to access the platforms. Parents and Carers can use the platforms to track your child’s progress and support them with completion.

Details relating to homework activities and links will be set using the ARBOR ‘Assignments’ page for your child.

Supporting with homework

To support students, the academy operates a homework club afterschool Monday to Thursday 3:05-3:50. If there are any issues with accessing homework students must speak to their class teacher, who will be able to help them.

If you are experiencing IT issues please use the platform FAQ’s/Help pages, if any issues persist, families are encouraged to contact the school for any additional support and guidance we may be able to offer.

Sparx learning support:

Student login to Sparx Reader/Maths/Science using one of the following login methods: https://sparx-learning.com/ 

Microsoft login – School email and password

Or

Standard login – First and last name (All lower case and one word) + Password they have chosen.

Useful links: https://sparx-learning.com/contact-us 

SENECA learning support:

Students can login to SENECA learning using their school email address E.g 21johsmi@padgateacademy.co.uk Passwords have been set to a default for students, which their teachers can tell them in school. If your child has an issue with their login, please ask their class teacher and they can reset their password.

Useful links:

https://help.senecalearning.com/en/collections/1434432-parent-faqs - Parent FAQ’s

Frequency & Duration of Homework

All students will be set homework that is proportional to their learning time in school.