Working together to support learning
Homework and Supporting Learning at Home
At Longbenton High School, we believe that learning does not stop at the school gates. Homework plays an important role in helping students practise key knowledge, strengthen understanding, develop independence and build the study habits they will need for future success.
We know that parents and carers make a huge difference. The support, encouragement and routines provided at home help students to feel organised, confident and ready to learn. Homework should never feel like something families have to manage alone. It works best when school, students and families work together.
Why Homework Matters
Homework gives students the chance to revisit learning from lessons, practise important skills and prepare for future topics or assessments. It also helps students develop responsibility, resilience and good organisation.
Revisit and Practise
Homework gives students valuable opportunities to strengthen knowledge and practise the skills they have developed during lessons.
Become Independent
Managing homework helps students develop responsibility, organisation, resilience and confidence in their own learning.
Prepare for the Future
As students move through school, independent study, revision and managing deadlines become increasingly important for GCSEs and the next stage of education, training or employment.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Families do not need to become teachers at home. Often, the most effective support is helping students establish good routines, showing an interest in their learning and encouraging them to take increasing responsibility.
Encourage Good Routines
Good routines help students feel settled and prepared. Please support your child by making sure they get enough sleep, eat regular meals, take part in physical activity and arrive at school on time with the equipment they need.
A regular homework routine can also make a big difference. Setting aside a consistent time each evening or across the week helps students avoid last-minute pressure and makes homework feel like a normal part of school life.
Create a Positive Place to Study
Students work best when they have a quiet, calm and comfortable space to complete homework or revision. This does not need to be a separate room, but it should be somewhere they can focus.
A good study space should be well lit, organised and as free from distractions as possible. Mobile phones, social media, television and gaming can make it much harder for students to concentrate.
Short, regular breaks can help students stay focused, especially when they are completing longer tasks or revising.
Take an Interest in Their Learning
One of the most powerful things parents and carers can do is simply ask about learning. Talking to your child about what they are studying helps them remember key information and shows that their education matters.
What homework have you been set this week?
What have you learned today?
Is there anything you are finding difficult?
What do you need to revise or practise?
Parents and carers are not expected to do homework for their child. The most helpful support is to encourage independence, help them plan their time and talk through tasks when they are unsure.
Build Independence and Responsibility
As students grow older, they need to become more independent. This means learning how to manage time, meet deadlines, organise resources and take responsibility for their own learning.
Parents and carers can help by supporting students to plan their homework, check deadlines and pack their own school bag.
It is also helpful to praise effort, resilience and progress, not just results. Students need to know that improvement comes through practice, determination and a positive attitude.
Use Online Platforms to Stay Involved
Longbenton High School uses online platforms to help students and families stay informed and support learning beyond the classroom.
MCAS
Parents and carers should regularly check MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) for school updates and key information.
Google Classroom
Students should check Google Classroom regularly so they know what homework has been set, when it is due and what resources they need.
GCSEPod
For students with access to GCSEPod, this can be used to support revision, retrieval practice and independent learning. Parents and carers can ask what their child has been asked to watch, learn or revise and encourage them to use GCSEPod as part of a regular study routine.
Support Reading and Literacy
Reading is one of the most important ways students can strengthen their learning across all subjects. Regular reading helps students improve vocabulary, spelling, grammar, confidence and understanding.
Families can support reading by encouraging students to read for pleasure, not just for schoolwork. This could include novels, non-fiction books, news articles, magazines or online articles from trusted sources.
Talking about what students have read helps them develop ideas, opinions and confidence with language.
Everyday conversation also supports literacy. Discussing new words, current affairs, books, articles or documentaries can help students build the vocabulary and knowledge they need to succeed.
Talk About School and Wellbeing
Homework and learning are important, but so is wellbeing. Students are more likely to thrive when they feel listened to, supported and able to talk about any worries they may have.
Please take time to ask your child about their school life, friendships, achievements and challenges. Encourage open conversations about feelings, pressure, deadlines and any difficulties they may be facing.
It is normal for students to need help sometimes. If your child is struggling with homework, organisation, confidence or wellbeing, please encourage them to speak to a member of staff.
Parents and carers are also welcome to contact school if they have concerns.
Encouraging Independence
The aim of support at home is not to remove every challenge for students, but to help them develop the confidence and skills to manage their own learning.
As students progress through Longbenton High School, we want them to become increasingly confident at planning their time, meeting deadlines, organising resources, revising effectively and asking for help when they need it.
Stay Connected With School
Strong communication between home and school helps students succeed. Please check MCAS regularly, read school emails and newsletters, and contact us if you have any concerns.
We are here to help. If your child is finding homework difficult, falling behind or struggling to access online platforms, please let us know so that we can support them.
Parent and carer guide
Google Classroom Guide
Watch our recommended guide for parents and carers to find out more about using Google Classroom and supporting your child with their online learning.
