Homework

Homework at The Palmer Catholic Academy

Homework supports and extends the learning that takes place in lessons and helps students build good independent study habits. This page explains how homework is set, how much to expect at each key stage, the support available in school, and how you can help at home. 

How homework is set

- All homework is written in students' planners and set on Microsoft Class. 
- Some subjects also use a dedicated platform, such as Sparx, Seneca or Languagenut. The platform for each subject is shown in the key stage sections below. 
- Homework is checked in the following lesson. 

Support in school 

Homework Club runs in the library every day from 3:20pm to 4:20pm. Students are welcome to use the laptops and other resources to complete their homework, with staff on hand to help. This is a good option for any student who does not have a quiet space or internet access at home.

How much homework to expect

These are guides per task, not fixed limits.

Key Stage	Year Groups	Guide time per task
Key Stage 3	Years 7 to 9	15 to 45 minutes
Key Stage 4	Years 10 to 11	30 to 60 minutes
Key Stage 5	Years 12 to 13	45 to 60 minutes or more, plus wider independent study

Homework by key stage

The lists below show how often homework is set in each subject at each key stage, and where to find it. 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) 

English: weekly, on Sparx Reader. 
Mathematics: weekly, on Sparx Maths. 
Science: weekly, on Sparx Science. 
Religious Education: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Business: every 3 to 4 lessons, on Seneca. 
French and Spanish: every 3 to 4 lessons, on Quizlet, Blooket or Kahoot, and ActiveLearn. 
Geography: every 3 to 4 lessons, on Seneca. 
History: fortnightly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 to 11)

English: weekly, mostly on Seneca, with an occasional alternative task such as a piece of writing or research. 
Mathematics: weekly, on Sparx Maths and Dr Frost Maths. 
Science: weekly, on Sparx Science. 
Religious Education: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Arabic: weekly, on Languagenut. 
Business: fortnightly, on Seneca. 
Computer Science: weekly, on Seneca and the CSUK coding platform. 
Design and Technology: fortnightly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online), with Oak Academy and Seneca for revision. 
Drama: fortnightly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online), with BBC Bitesize for GCSE. 
Economics: weekly, on Seneca. 
Food and Nutrition: every 3 to 4 lessons, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
French and Spanish: weekly, on Quizlet, Blooket or Kahoot, and ActiveLearn. 
Geography: fortnightly, on Seneca. 
History: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Physical Education: every 3 to 4 lessons, on PE Classroom. 
Psychology and Sociology: fortnightly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 to 13)

Alongside their homework, Key Stage 5 students are also expected to complete wider reading. The reading list is available on Microsoft Class. 

English: every 3 to 4 lessons, with a variety of tasks ranging from essay questions to research tasks, posted on Microsoft Class. 
Mathematics: weekly, on Dr Frost Maths, with exam papers, plus Up Learn (see below). 
Biology: weekly written exam practice, plus Up Learn (see below). 
Chemistry: weekly written exam practice, plus Up Learn (see below). 
Physics: weekly written exam practice, plus Up Learn (see below). 
Religious Education: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Business: fortnightly, on Seneca. 
Computer Science: weekly, on Seneca and the CSUK coding platform. 
Economics: weekly, on Seneca, plus Up Learn (see below). 
Geography: weekly, on Seneca. 
History: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Politics: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 
Psychology: Up Learn (see below). 
Sociology: weekly, tasks posted on Microsoft Class (a mix of written and online). 

Up Learn at Key Stage 5

Students studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Economics or Psychology use Up Learn as part of their homework. 

- Students are expected to spend a minimum of 4 hours per week on Up Learn. This can be made up of set assignments, independent learning, or both. 
- The Sixth Form team supports students to access Up Learn during study periods. 

How you can help at home

- Check your child's planner and Microsoft Class each week, so you can see what has been set and when it is due. 
- Provide a quiet, well-lit place to work, away from phones and other distractions, and agree a regular time for homework. 
- Take an interest by asking what has been set and looking over the finished work. 
- Encourage your child to attempt tasks themselves, and to speak to their teacher before the deadline if they are stuck. Please avoid completing work for them or using AI tools. 
- Remind your child that Homework Club in the library is there every day if they need a quiet space or a laptop. 
- Support the school if we contact you about a missed deadline, so that good habits are reinforced at home.