This time of term is a great time to stop and take stock of the academic routines that are in place for girls across the School. Such routines include having bags packed the night before a school day, bringing the things needed for each class, navigating the timetable and having an age appropriate homework routine. Homework plays a crucial role in the learning process, providing students with the opportunity to consolidate knowledge, develop essential skills, and strengthen their understanding of key concepts taught at school. At its core, homework is not simply about completing tasks; it is about engaging in the cognitive process of retrieval and embedding learning into long-term memory. This ensures that students can access and apply their knowledge effectively in the future. One of the fundamental benefits of homework is its role in retrieval practice. When students review information learned in class, they actively recall and apply knowledge, reinforcing their memory pathways. This process, known as retrieval, helps solidify learning and ensures that knowledge is not fleeting but becomes a permanent part of a student’s academic foundation. Additionally, homework supports the cognitive principle of distributed practice, where learning is spaced out over time rather than condensed into a single session. Research shows that revisiting concepts at intervals strengthens retention, making it easier for students to retrieve and apply knowledge when needed.
In the primary years, homework assists in embedding fundamental concepts, particularly in core areas such as reading, numeracy, and basic research skills. It also fosters the development of positive routines, helping children establish time management and self-discipline from an early age. Parents can support their daughters by ensuring a quiet, distraction-free environment where they can focus on their homework, setting the stage for lifelong learning habits. As students transition into secondary school, homework becomes a more structured expectation. In Year 7, students are expected to complete approximately one hour of homework five times per week. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of their studies and the importance of independent learning. Homework at this stage reinforces classroom learning and provides students with the opportunity to engage in both massed and distributed practice. Massed practice, which involves completing tasks in a concentrated period, helps reinforce skills, while distributed practice, spread over time, aids deeper understanding and long-term retention. Both types of practice are essential for secondary students.
The level of parental involvement required in the homework process varies from student to student. Some girls may need significant guidance and encouragement, particularly in the early years of secondary school, while others may work more independently. However, all students benefit from a home environment that prioritises learning. Parents can support their daughters by ensuring that family schedules allow dedicated time for homework and by removing distractions such as mobile phones and social media during study periods. In Senior School, if this is a challenge, girls can be enrolled in the School's supervised homework program where past students will support them to complete their work.
By working together&mdashparents, students, and teachers&mdashwe can create a supportive environment that allows each girl to reach her academic potential. Through consistent effort, encouragement, and structured learning opportunities, we can empower students to take ownership of their education and strive for excellence in all that they do. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the School if you would like further guidance in the homework space!
Ms Elisabeth Rhodes
Principal