ABSTRACT

Over the past ten years, it has become increasingly easy for Key Stage 3 (KS3) English teachers to download individual lesson plans, resources and homework tasks from the Internet. The 'Suggested Homework' column in a scheme of work's sequence of learning is 'Suggested' and not mandatory. Differentiated tasks are vital when setting homework in KS3 English, because if the pupils are to complete these tasks in an environment outside of the classroom, then they need to have every chance of success. KS3 English curriculum models that embrace carefully planned homework projects will not simply support a pupil's development of the key skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing. It is important that a homework project such as My Language Autobiography becomes a sustainable part of any robust KS3 English curriculum model. In an age of smartphones and tablets, it means that a teacher can check on the pupil's homework project at any time and provide almost instantaneous feedback.