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Introduction

We have consulted with staff, students and parents about the current homework situation and realised that there needs to be a change in our current setting of homework. From September, we will be running a new homework scheme called IMPRESS Projects.  These will give students the opportunity to demonstrate greater independence and creativity in their homework. They will be able to work in a range of learning styles and will be given the opportunity to develop their ideas beyond the traditional short term homework.

Some subjects will also set traditional homework, but we will monitor this to ensure that students are not overloaded.

 

How do IMPRESS projects work?

Students will be set projects from subject areas and they will be given around 2-3 weeks to complete them. There will be a timetable published termly so students will know when the projects will be set and the deadlines. Students will receive feedback and will also be awarded levels.  There are four levels – Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The levels are detailed below:

DIAMOND – Highly organised and informative project.  Plenty of well researched information.  Innovative presentation.  Demonstrates a detailed understanding of the subject matter.  Tasks completed to an exceptional standard. Excellent effort. Attainment well above what is expected.

GOLD – Well presented and organised work with lots of interesting information.  Tasks are completed to a high standard.  Demonstrates a very good understanding of the subject matter.  Excellent effort. Attainment just above what is expected.

SILVER -  A good project.  Evidence of research.  All information covered.  Presentation is acceptable.  Work meets and occasionally exceeds expectations.  Demonstrates grasp of the subject matter. Good effort.  Attainment in line with expectations.

BRONZE – A satisfactory project.  Basic research.  Facts presented accurately.  Some information/tasks missing.  Satisfactory effort. Demonstrates some insight into the subject matter.  Attainment just below what is expected.

Points will be awarded for each level and there will be rewards for students who have completed individual projects to a high standard, and to those who consistently achieve high standards.

 

How will I know what projects have been set?

Students will receive a paper copy of the project.  This section on the school website also gives students the ability to download the projects and check the timetable.

 

What type of tasks will be set?

The projects will either be made up of a number of short tasks or one open ended task. 

Short Tasks – This type of project would have about four short tasks to complete.  For example, an English project on film would require students to design a film poster, write a 300 word summary of the plot, write a description of the main characters and storyboard a film trailer.

Open Ended – An open ended project would deal with an issue/topic which students would have to research and then present in any format of their choice.  For example, a Citizenship project on community would require students to present their ideas in any type of format e.g. PowerPoint, Film, Poster, Podcast etc.

 

How can students present their projects?

 Students can present their projects in any format. 
Below is a list of suggested formats:

  • PowerPoint
  • Poster
  • Leaflet
  • Model/Sculpture
  • Creating an artefact
  • Piece of art work
  • Speech
  • Movie
  • Advert
  • Song/Lyrics
  • Drama
  • Film Trailer

 

Students should complete this Cover sheet to return with their project.

We are encouraging our students to be independent, show creativity in their responses and to push themselves to produce work of the highest quality possible.

 

How can I support my child with the IMPRESS Projects?

 

  1.  Discuss the project with your child.  It might help if you ‘thought shower’ some ideas or use a mind map to help your child with the planning.
  2. Encourage your child to think about how they are going to present their project. 
  3. Ensure that your child does not copy and paste huge amounts of information from the Internet.  Projects will have a list of relevant websites which can be used.  Also avoid Wikipedia if possible.
  4. Help your child with organisation and managing time.  Students should be working on the project over the fortnight and not rushing the project in the night before the deadline.
  5. Encourage your child to use the LRC (Learning Resource Centre) within school. The LRC contains a huge selection of books which can be used for research and also computers.  The LRC is open at break and lunchtimes.