20/09/2026
This year, homework for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follows a clear two-week cycle. The Autumn Term Homework Planner accompanying this article can also be found within each student’s Knowledge Organiser Pack. Every Key Stage 3 student has received an extensive Knowledge Organiser containing the essential knowledge they need to learn in each subject during the autumn term. Securing this knowledge is fundamental to making good progress: the more confidently students can remember key facts, vocabulary and concepts, the more effectively they can understand new material and apply their learning in lessons.
During Week 1 of our timetable—the week we have just completed—students undertake Knowledge Organiser homework. The Homework Planner identifies which subjects they should study each evening and the particular study technique they should use. Students have been given a separate exercise book in which to complete this work. They must bring this book into school so that their mentor can check and sign off the homework completed.
Each Knowledge Organiser week focuses on a particular study skill. For example, during the week beginning Monday 12th October, students will use Look, Cover, Say, Write, Check. This involves looking carefully at a manageable section of key knowledge, covering it, saying it aloud, writing it from memory and then checking its accuracy. Students are not expected to learn an entire section in one sitting; the technique should be used with smaller, manageable amounts of information. The planner spreads subjects across the week. On Monday 12th October, for example, students will complete Look, Cover, Say, Write, Check activities for English, languages and food. On Tuesday 13 October, they will use the same technique for maths and art, with the remaining subjects distributed across the rest of the week.
During the week beginning Monday 2nd November, students will study the same subjects on the same evenings but will use flashcards instead. Over time, students will therefore both embed important subject knowledge and develop a range of effective study and revision techniques. These habits will support their learning now and give them a valuable toolkit when they reach Key Stage 4 and begin preparing for their examinations.
Guidance videos explaining each technique are available through our YouTube channel, and QR codes linking to them can be found within the Knowledge Organiser Pack. During Week 2, beginning next week, students will receive subject homework set more flexibly by their teachers. This will be recorded in their school planners and will usually extend, practise or consolidate the work being completed in lessons.
We hope this makes our Key Stage 3 homework system clearer. Parents and carers can provide valuable support by regularly checking both the Homework Planner and their child’s Knowledge Organiser exercise book.
