StudentsHomework: Power Hour

Power Hour

In April 2025 we introduced a new homework system in Year 7, The Power Hour. This has now been rolled out to Year 8 and 9.


Why did we change the previous homework system?

  • We recognised that Homework is not always consistent across subjects
  • We want to support students in learning study habits from a younger age, so that by the time they sit their external exams they will be confident and successful
  • We want to reduce the number of behaviour points students receive for missing homework
  • We aim to increase students’ writing resilience, and embed reading and numeracy skills
  • We aim to support students to work effectively without over-relying on technology
  • We want to involve parents/carers more in the process

How does the new system work?

  • Year 7 students will be issued with the Power Hour Booklet - one per half term
  • Every night students will complete 1 hour of work, away from phones and technology
  • They will spend 20 minutes on numeracy, 20 minutes on the specified subject and 20 minutes reading.
  • After this, you (parent/carer) will sign off the hour, ready for your child to show their tutor at school in the morning.
  • If they forget to do their work, they need to attend the Learning Zone (found in the library) at 8am the next morning to complete the work.
  • After this, incomplete work will be sanctioned with a behaviour point.
  • If your child has not completed their homework twice in a week, they will also receive a behaviour point.

 

How can you support your child in being successful in the new system?

  • Talk to your child about the new process and check they are clear on the steps (you can use the flowchart and the video to support this conversation)
  • Ensure they have a quiet space to work at home
  • Ensure they leave technology in another room for an hour every night
  • Sign off their work each day
  • Help them get into the habit of packing their Power Hour Booklet every day

FAQs

What if my child loses their booklet? Your child will need to visit the Learning Zone (found in the library) to collect a new one. £3 will be charged to their ParentPay account.

What if my child has SEN? We expect all children to put in their best effort when completing work, form tutors know your children and will be able to use professional judgement to see if this has happened. 

What if my child cannot work at home? The Learning Zone will be open after school every night. Your child is welcome to stay at school to complete their Power Hour.

What if my child completed their work quickly? Departments have saved ‘Extra Credit’ activities on Google Classroom for your child to access if they would like more work. In order to achieve a ‘1’ in their subject report they will need to hand completed Deeper Learning activities to their subject teachers.  

What if my child struggles with reading? We encourage you to read with your child for these twenty minutes to improve their literacy.

Will teachers set holiday homework? No, the Power Hour will pause during the holidays to give your child time to rest and therefore come back to school energised to learn.

 

Presentation for Students: Introduction to Power Hour

Presentation for Students: 2026 Updates

Year 10

 

Year 11