Pupils celebrate as school scraps all homework – to give teachers more time to plan lessons
Head at the school says 'there are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons'
A SCHOOL has scrapped all homework - to give teachers more time to plan lessons.
Staff at the secondary school will use the time previously spent on setting and marking homework on planning lessons more precisely.
The principal at Philip Morant School and College, in Colchester, Essex accepted it would be controversial - but she said she is “genuinely excited” about the innovative approach and is convinced students would benefit.
Catherine Hutley said: “The job of a teacher is impossible.
“There are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons."
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She added: “It is a move away from a more traditional approach but we would not do anything which would hinder the progress of our children.
“We have the most dedicated and committed staff you could possibly ask for.
“They are working every hour God sends but planning lessons can fall by the wayside.
“We want it to be the number one priority so teachers can plan for students’ individual needs and keep on top of their progress on a daily basis.”
It’s not the first school to abolish homework, but in the past schools have done so to reduce mental health problems among pupils, or have extended school hours.
Out-of-school-hours learning will still be encouraged through the school’s website with prizes offered to the most dedicated students.
Last year the independent boarding school Cheltenham Ladies' College announced plans to ditch homework in response to an "epidemic" of mental health problems.
In 2013 Jane Austen College, in Norwich, said pupils would be expected to complete all their work during timetabled hours, and extended the school day to 5pm.
There are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons.
Catherine Hutley
Ms Hutley said homework at Philip Morant School and College was too often made up of finishing curriculum work which had not been completed in class.
That work will now be completed in lessons ensuring children who were not completing their homework would not miss out.
Ms Hutley said the move away from traditional homework had been discussed for a year.
She added: “We are aware opinions on this issue are polarised with many parents and carers delighted by the change but others concerned by what the move will mean for their child.
“We have carefully analysed the performance and progress of our students and the impact homework has had on this.
“We know homework is not working for the majority of our students.
“This new approach allows us to more carefully track and monitor students both academically but also against skills critical for their lives ahead.”
The school, which has 1,650 students, has already got rid of academic banding and the use of mobile phones at school.
Ms Hutley added: “If, for any reason, we start to see this new approach to homework is having a negative impact on students’ progress, we will do something about it.
“But I do not believe that will happen.”
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