Work Outside the Classroom (WOTC) at Carshalton Boys Sports College

Welcome to our dedicated page for Work Outside the Classroom (WOTC)—the term we use at Carshalton Boys Sports College (CBSC) for homework.

We believe that learning does not stop when the school bell rings. For our pupils to achieve excellence, they must develop habits of independent study, self-discipline, and curiosity. This page outlines our expectations for WOTC across all Key Stages, making our strategy transparent and accessible for pupils and parents, while remaining fully effective home learning.

 

Why WOTC? Building Stronger Foundations

At CBSC, our WOTC curriculum is intentionally designed to support our whole-school Building Stronger Foundations strategy. This strategy focuses on sequentially developing three core pillars of academic success:

1. Oracy – Developing pupils' ability to express themselves articulately, listen actively, and speak with confidence.
2. Reading – Cultivating a love for reading while explicitly improving comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and reading stamina.
3. Writing – Equipping pupils with the precision and authority to draft coherent, high-quality analytical and creative writing.

Without a strong foundation in vocabulary and reading, pupils cannot fully access the curriculum or express their true potential. WOTC is the engine that drives this strategy home, ensuring that the critical skills learned in school are consolidated and embedded into long-term memory.

 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9): Vocabulary & Reading

During Key Stage 3, our primary focus is on expanding pupils' vocabulary and boosting their reading fluency. This directly feeds into our Building Stronger Foundations literacy strategy.

 

1. Weekly Vocabulary Building (Bedrock Learning)

Pupils will receive weekly vocabulary WOTC using the Bedrock digital vocabulary platform to increase their understanding, retrieval, and active use of high-frequency and academic language. This work will target:

• Tier 2 Language: Highly versatile academic vocabulary used across all subject areas.
• Tier 3 Language (Subject-Specific): Specialised vocabulary unique to individual disciplines. This is set weekly for:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Geography
  • History
  • Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) — complemented by weekly targeted practice on the Duolingo platform.

 

2. Weekly Reading (Sparx Reader)

• Requirement: Pupils are expected to read for 1 hour each week using the Sparx Reader platform.
• Why? Regular reading is the single most effective way to improve comprehension and support writing competency. Sparx Reader dynamically adapts to each pupil’s reading level, keeping them motivated and appropriately challenged.

 

3. Additional Assessment Revision

• Throughout the academic year, additional subject-specific WOTC will be set in the form of revision tasks ahead of scheduled school assessments to teach pupils how to prepare and study effectively.

 

Transitioning into Year 7: Our Phased WOTC Rollout

We understand that transitioning from primary school to secondary school is a major milestone. To help our Year 7 pupils adapt to the increased academic independence of Carshalton Boys Sports College without feeling overwhelmed, we phase in our WOTC requirements over their first year. This scaffolded approach ensures pupils build strong study habits sequentially, aligning directly with our Building Stronger Foundations strategy.

 

Phase 1: Autumn Term (September to October Half-Term)

To ease pupils into the routine of secondary school, Year 7 will start with a streamlined homework schedule focusing purely on core literacy and numeracy:

• Tier 2 Vocabulary (Bedrock): Focusing on the universal academic language used across all their new subjects.
• Tier 3 English (Bedrock): Subject-specific vocabulary to support their transition into secondary English.
• Tier 3 Mathematics (Bedrock): Vocabulary to strengthen mathematical reasoning and comprehension.
• Reading (Sparx Reader): Beginning their weekly 1-hour independent reading habit.

 

Phase 2: Late Autumn Term (From October Half-Term)

Once pupils have successfully settled into their routines, we introduce the scientific domain:

• All Phase 1 WOTC continues.
• Tier 3 Science (Bedrock) is added: Weekly vocabulary tasks are introduced to support pupils in articulating scientific concepts and processes.

 

Phase 3: Spring Term (From January)

By the start of the Spring Term, Year 7 pupils are well-adjusted CBSC students. We now roll out their full Key Stage 3 WOTC expectation:

• All Phase 1 & 2 WOTC continues.
• Humanities & Languages are added: Weekly vocabulary tasks are introduced for History, Geography, and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) (utilising Duolingo).

 

Why do we phase this? By gradually increasing the WOTC expectations, we prevent cognitive overload, build pupil confidence, and ensure that the foundational habits of reading and vocabulary acquisition are securely embedded before we introduce the full suite of subjects.

 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11): Subject Mastery & Consolidation

At Key Stage 4, WOTC shifts to support pupils as they prepare for their GCSE and vocational qualifications. The tasks focus on retrieval, practice, and exam preparation.

• Frequency: Pupils will receive WOTC in all of their subjects once per week.
• Duration: Each subject's task should take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete.
• Vocabulary Support: To ensure academic language does not become a barrier in GCSE examinations, pupils at Key Stage 4 may also receive weekly vocabulary work relevant to their courses.

 

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form): Independent Preparation & Consolidation

Post-16 study requires a significant step up in independence, time-management, and academic rigour.

• The 1:1 Rule: For every hour of in-class instruction, pupils are expected to complete 1 hour of WOTC at home.
• Focus: This out-of-class time must be dedicated to:
  • Preparation: Reading ahead and pre-learning concepts before they are taught.
  • Revision: Self-testing and retrieval practice.
  • Consolidation: Reviewing classroom notes, completing past paper questions, and addressing areas of difficulty.

 

Guidance for Parents and Carers: How to Support Your Child

Your partnership is vital. Research shows that pupils make the most progress when parents and carers actively monitor and support home learning.

• Establish a Routine: Encourage your child to do their WOTC at a set time each evening rather than letting it accumulate.
• Create a Dedicated Workspace: Ensure they have a quiet, clutter-free space away from the TV and mobile phone distractions.
• Monitor via the App: Keep track of your child's weekly tasks and deadlines by regularly logging into the Bromcom / MCAS (MyChildAtSchool) app.
• Encourage, Don't Battle: If your child is struggling, encourage them to attempt the task and contact their teacher or Pastoral Support Officer (PSO) before the deadline.

 

Struggling with space or technology at home? We are committed to ensuring every child can succeed. We offer WOTC Club at school where pupils can access Chromebooks, internet facilities, and staff support. Please contact your child’s Year Team or PSO for further details.