Aiming to explain why homework is important, this text also offers ways to help teachers set interesting, effective and well-differentiated homework. It includes a look at how parents can support the educational progress of their children, and how everyone can make the best use of their time.

Part 1 What is Homework and What is it For?; Chapter 1 An Introduction to the history, purpose and current use of homework in schools; Chapter 2 Homework related to wider issues of supporting study, independent learning, distance learning and flexible learning; Chapter 3 Homework and equal opportunities: the forgotten year; Chapter 4 Homework and special needs; Part 2 A Teachers’ Guide to Homework; Chapter 5 Introduction: Setting, monitoring and assessing homework; Chapter 6 English; Chapter 7 Maths and Science; Chapter 8 History, Geography and Religious Education; Chapter 9 Modern Foreign Languages; Chapter 10 Art, Music and Design and Technology; Chapter 11 Physical Education and Personal and Social Education; Chapter 12 Cross-curricular issues and Information Technology; Chapter 13 Coursework and examinations; Chapter 14 Teachers doing their own homework: Organising your own professional development and study; Part 3 A Managers’ Guide to Homework; Chapter 15 Developing policies and practices in departments; Chapter 16 Developing whole-school policies; Chapter 17 Partnerships with parents and the community; Chapter 18 Managers doing their own homework: Organising your own professional development and study; Part 4 A Parents’ Guide to Homework; Chapter 19 Introduction: ‘Homework is Hell’; Chapter 20 Supporting Reading, Writing and Oral skills; Chapter 21 Supporting Maths and Science skills; Chapter 22 Supporting History, Geography, Religious Education, and Modern Foreign Languages; Chapter 23 Supporting the Arts, Technical and Physical skills; Chapter 24 Coursework and examinations; Chapter 25 Communicating with the school; Chapter 26 Making the most of leisure time; Part 5 Resourcing Homework and Study Support; Chapter 27 School libraries and public libraries; Chapter 28 Homework centres; Chapter 29 Community facilities: Beyond homeworking; Part 6 Sharing Information about Homework; Chapter 30 Researching homework in schools; Chapter 31 A short guide for teachers (for use in INSET courses); Chapter 32 A short guide for pupils (for use in Personal and Social Education and study-support time); Chapter 33 A short guide for parents (for use in preparation for meetings at school); Chapter 34 Books for researchers, schools, parents and pupils;