Science Faculty Senior Phase Homework Expectations

Rationale

Homework in Science is not set as an isolated add-on. It is part of the learning cycle: teach, practise, check understanding, reflect, improve and prepare for formal assessment. Across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, homework is used to build retrieval strength, identify misconceptions early, develop scientific literacy and give pupils regular low-stakes practice in the types of thinking required in national qualifications.

The faculty approach balances consistency with professional judgement. Pupils and parents should see a clear routine across the three sciences, while teachers retain flexibility to respond to class needs, course pace, assessment evidence and the timing of assignments, prelims and national examinations.

How homework is set

• Homework is set through Microsoft Teams as an Assignment.
• The task is normally a Microsoft Form, allowing pupils to answer electronically and allowing teachers to review completion and common errors efficiently.
• Some homework tasks require extended responses, calculations, data handling, graph interpretation or written scientific explanations.
• Where appropriate, pupils may also be directed to ACHIEVE to attempt past-paper style questions and practise exam technique.
• Pupils should use Teams as the authoritative place to check the task, deadline, instructions and any teacher feedback.

Key message for pupils: completing the Form matters because it gives the teacher evidence. That evidence shapes feedback, learning conversations, class revision and individual SMART-target homework.

Typical pattern before Winter Assessment

Typical pattern after Winter Assessment

• Homework becomes more targeted and increasingly personalised.
• Tasks are linked to winter assessment evidence, assignment preparation, prelim analysis and final exam preparation.
• Pupils may receive SMART-target homework that focuses on a specific skill or knowledge gap.
• ACHIEVE and past-paper questions become more prominent as pupils move closer to final assessments.

What pupils are expected to do

• Check Microsoft Teams regularly and before the deadline.
• Complete the Form or task carefully, not as a rushed tick-box exercise.
• Use notes, feedback and class materials to improve the quality of responses.
• Attempt extended responses in full sentences where required, using correct scientific language (Biology specific).
• Use ACHIEVE for additional past-paper practice, especially before assessments.
• Ask for help before the deadline if they are unsure what to do.

What parents and carers can do

• Ask pupils to show the Teams Assignment rather than relying only on memory.
• Encourage regular completion rather than last-minute catching up.
• Ask what feedback or score the Form produced and what the pupil will improve next time.
• Support revision routines before assessments by encouraging short, regular practice on ACHIEVE and with class materials.
• Contact the class teacher if homework is repeatedly unclear, inaccessible or incomplete.

Faculty quality assurance

• Homework should be visible through Teams Assignments so pupils, staff and families can identify what has been set.
• Forms should be purposeful: they should provide useful evidence, not simply completion data.
• Reflection weeks should be planned and explained so pupils understand that reflection is active learning, not a week off.
• Assessment evidence from homework should inform teaching, feedback, learner conversations and revision planning.
• Departments should review homework volume around major assessment points to avoid unnecessary overload.