Homework

At Drayton Manor High School, we believe that homework plays an important role in supporting learning beyond the classroom. Homework is designed to reinforce and extend the curriculum, helping students to secure knowledge, deepen subject understanding and develop subject-specific skills.

We regard homework as a key part of every student's pathway to independence. Through regular homework, students learn to manage their time effectively, organise their workload, take responsibility for meeting deadlines and develop the self-discipline required for future success.

Alongside supporting academic progress, homework helps students become increasingly independent learners and  prepares them for the demands of GCSEs, A Levels, higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

THE PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK

Homework is designed to:

  • Support learning of the taught curriculum.

  • Strengthen students' knowledge and understanding of subject content.

  • Develop subject-specific skills and disciplinary thinking.

  • Encourage independent learning and study habits.

  • Promote organisation, time management and personal responsibility.

  • Prepare students for future academic study and life beyond school.

SETTING HOMEWORK

Drayton Manor High School uses Satchel One as its online homework platform.  All students are issued with a Satchel One login when they join the school. Homework is set by teachers through Satchel One and is communicated to students at the beginning of the lesson in which it is issued.

Students are expected to record homework in their school diary on the day it is set, noting both the task and the submission deadline. This helps students develop organisational skills and take responsibility for managing their workload effectively.

To ensure that homework is distributed evenly across the week, the school operates a dedicated homework timetable that identifies the day on which each subject sets homework.

HOMEWORK DEADLINES

All homework is issued with a one-week completion window. For example, if a homework task is set during a History lesson on Monday Period 3, it will be due the following Monday Period 3. This consistent approach helps students develop effective routines and manage their workload across all subjects.

MONITORING AND FEEDBACK 

Homework is checked by subject teachers as part of the learning process. Where students produce work of an exceptionally high standard, teachers may award House Merits in recognition of their effort, achievement and commitment to learning.

Students are encouraged to seek support when they encounter difficulties with homework. If a student is unsure about a task or has a misunderstanding, it is their responsibility to speak with their teacher before the deadline. This enables teachers to provide guidance and ensures that students have every opportunity to complete the work successfully.

EXPECTATIONS AND SANCTIONS

Completing homework on time is an important part of every student's responsibility as a learner. Where homework is not completed by the deadline, sanctions may be issued:

  • Years 7, 8 and 9: 30-minute detention.

  • Years 10, 11, 12 and 13: 60-minute detention.

These expectations help students develop the habits, routines and accountability needed for future academic success.

SUPPORTING HOMEWORK

We recognise that students have different circumstances and opportunities for completing homework at home.

To ensure that all students can access the support they need, the school operates a Homework Club after school each day. Homework Club provides students with a quiet and supportive environment in which to complete homework, access resources and seek assistance where required. The provision reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student can successfully engage with homework and avoid unnecessary barriers to learning.

Satchel One Support for Parents and Carers

For more information about Satchel One, including guidance on how to log in, monitor homework, track deadlines and support your child's learning at home, please visit the Satchel One Parents and Carers Help Centre:

Parents & Carers | Satchel One Help Center

This guidance includes information on setting up parent accounts, accessing homework tasks, receiving notifications and monitoring your child's homework completion.

Homework Timetable

The school operates a dedicated homework timetable to ensure that homework is distributed fairly across the week and that students can manage their workload effectively.

Please click here to view the Homework Timetable for the academic year 2026–2027.