Independent Learning & Homework

At Northallerton School & Sixth Form College, we believe that high-quality homework and independent study are essential to developing confident, independent learners and raising academic achievement. 

Our Approach 

From September 2025, we have embedded the use of SPARX Maths, SPARX Science, and SPARX Reader across all year groups to ensure homework is: 

  • Consistent across subjects and year groups 

  • Purposeful and focused on learning and progress 

  • Accessible via ClassCharts and SPARX platforms 

Homework is set weekly and is designed to reinforce classroom learning, develop key skills, and encourage independent study habits. 

Homework Schedule (Years 7–11) 

 

Maths 

English 

Science 

Other Subjects 

Year 7 

20 mins/week (SPARX Maths) 

20 mins/week (SPARX Reader) 

20 mins/week (SPARX Science) 

1–2 tasks per half-term (max 30 mins each) 

Year 8 

30 mins/week 

30 mins/week 

30 mins/week 

1–2 tasks per half-term 

Year 9 

40 mins/week 

40 mins/week (incl. extended literacy) 

40 mins/week 

1–2 tasks per half-term 

Years 10–11 

50 mins/week (GCSE tasks) 

50 mins/week 

50–60 mins/week (Triple Science) 

2 tasks per half-term (coursework replaces homework during assessment windows) 

 

  • SPARX tasks are released every Wednesday at 08:00 and are due by 20:00 the following Wednesday. 
  • Non-SPARX homework follows the same weekly cycle and avoids next-day deadlines. 

Independent Study (Sixth Form) 

For Key Stage 5 students, homework is replaced by a structured Independent Study Programme: 

 

  • Directed Study: 6 timetabled lessons per fortnight in the Library, supervised by study support staff 

  • Independent Study: Minimum 6 hours per week outside school hours 

  • Note-Taking: Cornell method used to redraft and organise learning 

  • Monitoring: Regular file checks, tutor reviews, and usage analytics 

This model supports academic progress, self-regulation, and meets national funding requirements. 

 

Support & Access 

  • Homework Club: Open daily after school in the Library 

  • Login Support: ClassCharts and SPARX login details are provided to all students; Year 7 students receive theirs during tutor or IT sessions 

 

Rewards & Sanctions 

  • Rewards: SPARX streaks, ClassCharts points, golden tickets 

  • Sanctions: Missed homework may result in reminders, detentions, and parental contact. Persistent issues are escalated to Heads of Year. 

 

Additional Information 

  • Homework does not replace coursework, MFL vocabulary learning, or exam revision 

  • Optional Reading Lists are available via Microsoft Teams and the school website 

  • The policy is reviewed termly and updated annually