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Homework and Independent Study 

Our approach to homework

We believe our students need to complete regular homework because of the successful study habits it enables them to build over time.  In Year 7, we want them to develop the routine of daily reading and doing a small amount of independent study every day, as well as the habits of organising their workload and meeting deadlines.  We then increase the demands steadily each year, so that by the time they are taking GCSE courses, they are able to work effectively and independently for the longer periods of time which are required.

For homework to be given consistently, it needs to be time-efficient for teachers to set, monitor and give feedback on.  Setting too many tasks that have to be checked by teachers in lessons eats into teaching time.  This is why many subjects now use online quizzing programmes.  It makes it easy for students to engage in retrieval practice (the most effective form of studying) and get prompt feedback on their level of understanding, and for teachers to be able to identify and correct misunderstandings across the class in a more timely and efficient way.  This is supported with other activities which allow students to practise applying their knowledge and skills as appropriate for the subject. 

Homework expectations 

Please view the linked documents for an overview of the homework and independent study expectations for each year group.  They each cover:

  1. What is the homework for each subject

  2. How often it is set 

  3. Where it is set

  4. How long it should take 

  5. Why this is set, what its purpose is, and how students get feedback

Year 7 Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Year 8 Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Year 9 Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Year 10 Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Year 11 Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Year 10 and 11 Optional Subjects Homework and Independent Study Expectations

Frequently asked questions

  • How can I see what homework my child is being set?

  • What is your advice about how students can study effectively at home, especially when preparing for GCSE exams in Year 9, 10 and 11?

  • What support can my child get in school with homework?

  • What happens if my child doesn’t do their homework?

  • Why don’t you give students a homework diary or use Show My Homework?

  • I’ve paid for a study guide but my child hasn’t received it - what should I do?

  • Who should I speak to if I want to discuss an issue to do with homework?

Please read the answers to our FAQs about homework and independent study here.

Homework and Independent Study FAQs

Effective independent study strategies: 

What is most important is that students engage in spaced practice and retrieval practice when they are studying at home.  We teach students about how and why to do this throughout their time at EGA, in assemblies, tutor times, lessons and workshops.  This is explained in the FAQs, with links to useful videos and websites for parents and carers.

We support students in Year 9, 10 and 11 to complete independent study timetables.  You can download a blank independent study timetable to use with your child here.

Independent Study Plan Blank Timetable

We run sessions for parents and carers on how to support their child with studying at home.

News

Attendance and Conduct Week Posted on: 11/02/2026

Attendance and Conduct Week

This week at EGA, we have been proud to celebrate our first Celebration Week as part of the exciting re-launch of our whole-school rewards system and what a brilliant launch it has been!   Our new rewards system links Achievement Points directly to prizes, giving students clear goals to work towards. As students collect points, they move through our reward thresholds: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, unlocking fantastic tuck shop prizes along the way.   The tuck shop has already been a hive of excitement, with students eagerly collecting rewards including: Beauty products Revision materials & stationery Snacks from the canteen Vouchers And even the ultimate prize: “Skip the lunch queue with a friend for the rest of the year!”   It has been wonderful to see so many students motivated, proud and excited to pick up their prizes.   Students can earn Achievement Points in a variety of ways: Demonstrating effort and ambition in lessons Consistently positive conduct Improving their attendance Achieving excellent attendance milestones   As we approach half term, we would like to encourage families to continue positive conversations at home about the importance of both attendance and conduct. Our rewards system resets each term, giving every student a fresh opportunity to achieve, improve and aim even higher.   Thank you for your continued support in helping us celebrate effort, ambition and excellence at EGA. We are so proud of the way our students have embraced the re-launch long may the excitement continue!
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