At Redhill, we believe in nurturing the innate curiosity of our students and providing them with a holistic learning experience. That’s why we have adopted a no formal homework or testing policy in our Junior Schools, based on compelling research and the understanding that homework can hinder the natural growth of curiosity in children.
Numerous studies have shown that excessive homework can have detrimental effects on children’s curiosity and love for learning. The renowned educational writer, Alfie Kohn, accurately expressed this sentiment when he stated, “Homework is the greatest single extinguisher of children’s curiosity that we have yet invented.” At Redhill, we actively seek to avoid this extinguishing effect by providing ongoing learning opportunities that engage students in meaningful and self-directed tasks.
No formal homework or standardised testing.
“Homework is the greatest single extinguisher of children’s curiosity that we have yet invented.”
Instead of assigning traditional homework, our Smart Homework policy encourages our students to read avidly and participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities after school. This approach allows them to explore their interests, develop a love for reading, and engage in activities that enrich their learning experiences beyond the classroom. Additionally, by removing the “evening homework battle,” we create more quality time for our students to spend with their families, fostering strong relationships and a balanced approach to life.
Together with ongoing formative assessments by teachers, Â our students engage in self-assessment activities that promote reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. One notable example is the student-led conference held in July, where students take the lead in discussing their achievements, challenges, and goals with their parents or guardians. This empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey and develop important life skills such as communication, self-reflection, and goal setting.
By removing formalised testing in the Junior School, our students are free to take risks, explore new ideas, and learn from their mistakes without the fear of judgment or negative consequences. This fosters resilience, creativity, and a love for learning, empowering them to approach challenges with confidence and a determination to grow and improve.
The results speak for themselves. Our Junior School students place amongst the top in the country in national academic competitions, particularly in Mathematics, and display less anxiety and more confidence in their learning journey both inside and beyond the classroom walls.
Students are encouraged to explore a variety of activities on campus, including Robotics, Marimbas, Chess, Pottery, Art, Choir and Maths Club, as well as the many sports and sporting academies on offer.
Our dedicated specialist Literacy and Numeracy coordinators work within each class to support and extend students, build solid foundations before students move into Middle School, and continue to build curiosity and confidence in these key areas.
