Brief description of the principles/rationale of homework for Core Curriculum Religious and Moral Education

In the Core Curriculum R.M.E. programme, homework is set to consolidate knowledge, but also to give pupils the opportunity to give extended, and individual or personal, responses to questions being considered in the coursework.

Type of homework

S1 – Homework will consist of revision for class tests, when required [usually 2 weeks notices is given for tests].

There are usually two creative writing exercises, and also two preparing a response to a moral question – e.g. ‘8 ways in which I can make the world a better place’.

S2 – Homework consists of brief responses to material being considered in class - usually an imaginary inspection of a World War II Japanese Prisoner of War Camp, and a description of a Jewish ‘Seder’ Meal.

A major piece of homework is given in January/February.  This is the writing up of a report of a Jewish Festival, following on from three periods of research in class time.  This forms a significant part of the S2 assessment.     See the ‘S2 Judaism Festival Investigation’ section of the Website.

S3 and S4 – No formal written homework tasks are usually given.  However, pupils are asked to reflect on topics covered in class, and are often asked to think about a topic which will be covered in class the following week.

Frequency and expected duration

S1 – 4 or 5 pieces of homework spread over the session.  Creative writing topics should take 30/45 minutes, other topics 15/20 minutes.

S2 – Most topics should be capable of completion in 30 minutes, with the Judaism Investigation report taking up to 90 minutes over the period of the investigation.