How to help – some general advice

 Make sure that you are familiar with your child’s homework diary.

• Watch out for letters about Parent-Teacher Meetings and Option/Induction Days, and make every effort to attend (see the College website at www.knock.co.uk).
• Nominate somewhere at home as a homework area and have a set time for homework.
• Set up a daily routine. Plan a homework timetable in line with the College’s homework guidelines in the homework diary, so that your child knows what to do and when. 
• It is a good idea if your child has a break and something to eat before starting homework.
• Ask your child to explain the homework task and how it follows on from what he/she was studying at school.
• Be interested and be on hand to talk to your child about what he/she has learnt.
• Help your child to become an independent learner. Explain how to look up information rather than simply giving an answer in order to get the task finished.
• Turn off the television while homework is underway but do let your child listen to music if he/she finds it helpful and it does not annoy others.
• Read carefully any comments that your child's teacher makes about his/her work.
• Discourage your child from copying without editing when he/she is asked to do research tasks.
• Be positive about your child's attempts. If you have concerns about his/her progress, make an appointment to see your child’s Tutor.    

 The College is keen that parents become fully involved in their children's education. However, please do not be tempted to do their homework or coursework for them. If your child is to progress we need to know how much your child understands and can do independently.

Helping with homework

Here are some ways you can help:

• Suggest doing homework as soon as it is received.
• Encourage your child to speak up when in difficulty, as you may be able to help.
• Make sure your child has a good work-life balance, and does not spend too much time going out with friends, working in a part-time job or sitting at home doing homework.
• Find out about educational reading materials and programmes on radio and television.

Tackling coursework

Good coursework marks can boost your child's grades. You can help by:

• Finding out about the curriculum and how much work needs to be done.
• Knowing when coursework is due (from the homework diary) and helping to make out a schedule to complete it on time.
• Making sure your child is clear about what he/she is required to do.
• Locating internet sites that can help with his/her research (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk/schools).
• Advising your child to print and save their computer work regularly.
• Encouraging your child to talk to his/her teacher about any problems.
• Making sure your child has the right books and resources.