Home Learning
Our approach to home learning
At Brighton Hill Community School, home learning is an important extension of classroom learning. It is designed to help students consolidate knowledge, develop study habits, and build independence, while remaining purposeful, manageable and accessible for all.
Home learning is not an ‘add on’. Tasks are carefully planned so that they:
- reinforce learning that has already taken place in lessons, or prepare students for upcoming learning
- support curriculum knowledge and exam success
- encourage responsibility, organisation and self-discipline
- enable parents and carers to positively support learning at home
How much home learning should students expect?
As a broad guide:
- Years 7–8: around 45–60 minutes per evening (including self-guided study)
- Years 9–11: around 60–90 minutes per evening (including self-guided study)
The length and frequency of tasks vary by subject. Faculties may choose to set:
- shorter, more frequent retrieval or practice tasks, or
- longer tasks spread over several evenings
This ensures home learning remains appropriate to the subject and the age of the students.
What does home learning look like?
Across the school, home learning may include:
- retrieval practice and self-quizzing
- practice of key skills
- preparation or research for new topics (including flipped learning)
- revision and exam practice
- extended, creative or competition-based tasks
Most home learning is set through Microsoft Teams, with subject-specific platforms such as Century, Seneca, Everlearner and others used where appropriate. Parents and carers are able to view tasks online.
Supporting students to succeed
We are committed to ensuring that home learning is accessible to all students:
- Tasks are designed so that students can complete them independently, without significant adult input
- Clear guidance is given about what to do and how long tasks should take
- Additional support is available through the SEND Home Learning Support Club and subject-specific support sessions
Year 7 students are given additional transition support at the start of the year, including a ‘Setting Up for Success’ booklet and a gradual introduction to subject home learning during the Autumn term.
Roles and responsibilities
Students
- Complete home learning on time and to the best of their ability
- Plan their time effectively
- Use active strategies such as self-quizzing
- Seek help from teachers if they are unsure
Parents and carers
- Encourage routines and positive study habits
- Talk regularly with their child about home learning
- Support independence rather than completing work for students
- Check Teams assignments where possible
Staff
- Set purposeful, high-quality home learning linked directly to classroom learning
- Communicate tasks clearly and publish them on Teams
- Monitor completion and provide appropriate feedback or follow-up
If home learning is not completed
We understand that difficulties can arise. Where home learning is not completed, staff will:
- communicate with parents and carers
- provide opportunities for catch-up or re-testing where appropriate
- work with students and families to remove barriers and support success
Sanctions are not used for missed home learning alone; the focus is on closing gaps in knowledge and helping students get back on track.
Working with parents, carers and staff
During Term 1 of the 2025/26 academic year, we carried out consultation with parents, carers and staff to review how home learning works in practice. Feedback focused on workload balance, clarity of expectations and accessibility.
This feedback is informing refinements that will be reflected in the 2026/27 Home Learning Policy, ensuring our approach continues to meet the needs of our school community.
Full Home Learning Policy
This page provides a summary of our approach. Detailed, subject-specific expectations and full guidance can be found in the Home Learning Policy, including faculty appendices.
👉 [Read the full Home Learning Policy here]
Understanding how to use Century for Home Learning for English, Maths and Science