Homework
Homework is an important part of learning at Bulmershe and we use ClassCharts as the central hub for it all. Your child's teachers will set homework assignments directly on ClassCharts, ensuring you and your child have all the necessary information in one place. While some subjects may use other platforms like Google Classroom or Sparx, all the details, links and instructions will always be available on ClassCharts.
At Bulmershe, we know that your role as a parent or carer is a huge part of your child's success. Your support with homework and independent learning tasks can make a significant difference. By showing an interest and giving positive feedback, you can build your child's confidence and help them work hard to reach their goals.
You can help in a few simple ways:
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Check ClassCharts to see what homework has been set, who set it, and when it is due. This is the best way to stay on top of your child's tasks.
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Establish a routine for when and where homework should be done. Having a consistent time and a quiet space can help your child focus and work successfully.
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Help with planning to ensure your child has enough time to complete all their tasks, while also making sure they have time for themselves.
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Encourage quality work. Take a moment to check the work your child is handing in. The time and effort they put in now will pay off later.
We are all in this together, and your support at home is a huge part of our team.
Oasis Homework Club
If you need a quiet space to complete your homework or need some support to complete your homework, Oasis can help. Buddy will be there too. Monday through to Thursday, 3-4pm.
Our Library is also open each day after school for students to use the computers for independent study.
Monday - Thursday 3-4pm. Fridays until 3:30pm.
ClassCharts
ClassCharts is your main tool for tracking and supporting your child with their homework. We believe this new feature will make it much easier for you to see what has been set and when it is due. It is also a great way to start a conversation with your child about their school work.
How to find homework on ClassCharts
Once you have logged into the app or website, look for the Homework tab. Here you will see a list of all the homework tasks that have been assigned to your child.
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Sorting Homework: You can sort the list by the date the homework was set (Issue Date) or by when it is due (Due Date). You can also use the filters at the top to see tasks that are due this week, what has been completed, or what still needs to be done.
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Viewing Details: Click on a homework task to see a full description. This is where you will find the teacher's instructions and any links to websites or resources your child needs to use.
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To do Category - these are the set tasks that have not been ticked as completed by your child in their ClassCharts app
By checking ClassCharts regularly, you will have a clear overview of your child's workload and can help them stay on top of their tasks. This partnership between home and school is key to helping our students succeed.
Sparx
At Bulmershe, three of our departments use the Sparx platform to set homework for students: Maths, Science and Literacy. This helps to make homework consistent and easier for everyone to manage.
For all three subjects, homework is set on a Wednesday and is due a week later. The homework is personalised for each student's ability level and is linked directly to what they have been learning in class. Sparx also provides support videos to help if your child gets stuck. You will receive a weekly email summary to keep you updated on their homework progress.
How to get started
Your child will use their school Google login details to access the Sparx website at https://app.sparx-learning.com/. They just need to click on the 'Login with Google' button on the homepage to get started.
If your child is having any problems logging in, they should speak to their subject teacher who can help them with any issues.
Sparx Maths
Sparx Maths homework is personalised so questions are just right for each child's personal ability level, leading to faster progress. Every question contains a short support video to help students answer questions, should they get stuck.
Questions are structured to build understanding and are based on what has been taught in class, meaning that homework is achievable.
Homework is issued on a Wednesday at 11am and is due to be completed by the following Wednesday each week. Any work completed after the 8 days is considered late and will incur a detention (As explained by Mr Hussain in a letter sent 24th April 2024)
Accounts will be set up automatically in school for students.
Click here to open Sparx Maths website.
On the login screen, click Login with Google and enter your usual school google account details (same as Google Classroom)
Any issues contact Mr Hussain, head of Maths: thussain@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
Sparx Reader
We encourage a minimum of at least 1 hour of reading at home per week.
Why read for twenty minutes every day?
- By reading 20 minutes a day, you expose yourself to 1.8 million words in a year
- Reading can relieve stress
- Taking 20 minutes to read every day can boost mental health
- Children who read 20 minutes a day score in the 90th percentile
Studies have shown that GCSE exam papers require a reading age of 15 years and 7 months, presenting a significant barrier to pupils without that expected reading age. A child’s reading age should ideally match or exceed their chronological age, and it is important we do all we can to support pupils in achieving that. Multiple studies suggest that if children read for 20 minutes per day, they continue to progress in their reading.
Sparx Reader
From July 2025, all students at The Bulmershe School will move from using Bedrock Learning to Sparx Reader for their Reading homework.
Sparx Reader is a digital reading platform designed to improve literacy by encouraging students to read regularly and carefully. It gives each student a choice of four age-appropriate books matched to their reading level. As they read, they answer questions that check their understanding and earn points.
Key Information for Parents
- Students log in the same way as Sparx Maths, using the same details
- Weekly homework will be set on a Wednesday, and due the following Tuesday
- Students choose an eBook from a selection of 4 that are appropriate to both their age and their reading ability.
- Sparx can be opened and used on a computer, phone or tablet
- Students aim to earn 300 points each week (roughly 30–40 minutes of reading)
- Achievement points will be awarded for completing homework, finishing books and going above and beyond
- Detentions will be issued for missed homework in line with Sparx Maths procedures
- Students read their chosen eBook directly on the platform. The text is adjustable – they can change the font size, background colour or overlay to support their individual reading preferences.
- Families will receive weekly emails updating your on progress/homework completion
Encouraging Good Reading Habits
Students earn points by answering questions correctly, so careful reading is rewarded. We suggest breaking the reading into three sessions of about 10 minutes (or 100 points each) across the week to make it manageable.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact our Literacy Lead, Helen McNamara at hmcnamara@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk or visit the Sparx Reader parent guide.
Sparx Science
As students already use Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader, they will be familiar with how to log in and complete homework using the platform. Sparx Science will now support their Science homework, helping them develop scientific skills and revise the scientific content that they have already learnt.
Key points:
- Homework will involve tasks and science activities set on the Sparx website. These tasks are linked directly to the content being taught in Science at that time to the students and also include some prior learning content
- It will be set weekly on Wednesdays, and is due the following Wednesday
- As parents, you’ll get email updates about homework, just like you do with Sparx Maths and Reader
- The duration of the homework will be 40 minutes per week in Key Stage 3 and one hour per week in Key Stage 4 . The tasks will include Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections of work. Other homework tasks may be given to students when appropriate to support students progress and understanding.
We believe this change will make homework more consistent, more enjoyable and easier for students and families to manage.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an online learning platform which enables teachers to collaborate and communicate with students. Google Classroom serves as a hub for student work, homework and classroom resources
Teachers are able to access their classes to set work and share resources. There are a number of other “classrooms” which have also been created, such as tutor groups, year groups and student councils.
Most homework is set on Google Classroom and parents / carers are able to see on a weekly basis what has been set.
The Google Classroom allows you to view:
- Missing work—work not submitted.
- Upcoming work—work due today, tomorrow or due in the upcoming week.
- Class activities—announcements, assignments, and questions recently posted by teachers.
Students will set up their school google account in year 7 and will be given a school email address. They should speak to their tutor if they are experiencing any problems accessing their account or if they have forgotten their email address or password.
School email address format:
first initial+last name+year of entry to bulmershe @bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
for example:
dbeckham23@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
Further support can be found at the links below:
Parent guide: https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6388136?hl=en
Video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgS-hoSIjnw
Student Guide: https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9582544
Seneca for Learning
Seneca online learning is a homework and revision platform with 1000+ exam board specific interactive courses. Students often use Seneca in class, but sometimes homework and revision will also be set on the platform.
Personalised login links can be found on Google Classroom in the Science Classroom
Any problems, please contact Mr Burrows, head of science: gburrows@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk