Stage one data

This represents the stage one quantitative data, providing an initial analysis based on measurable variables collected during the first phase of the research. The project investigated the extent to which homework affects secondary school adolescents’ leisure. This was important because the majority of research within this area focused on the effects of homework on adolescents’ academic development. This project explored the other, non-academic effects on leisure. An interpretivist sequential mixed methods research design was used to explore the actual versus expected time spent on homework, time spent on leisure and/or non-academic responsibilities. This was achieved from the perspective of the parents, adolescents, and teachers using questionnaire in stage one and then follow-up semi-structured interviews for parents and adolescents during stage two. Three schools participated in the project, each with distinct characteristics. School one, located in the Nottingham East constituency, became an academy in 2018 and was uninspected by Ofsted. It was larger than average, with higher-than-average numbers of minority ethnic students, English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, and those eligible for free school meals. It had a homework policy for all year groups but no specified consequences for non-completion. School two, also in Nottingham East constituency, became an academy in 2012 and was rated good by Ofsted in 2017. It had below-average numbers of minority ethnic and EAL students and average free school meal eligibility but no homework policy. School three, based in Nottingham North, joined a multi-academy trust in 2012 and was rated good by Ofsted in 2018. It was ethnically diverse, with a significant proportion of EAL learners and high free school meal eligibility. Its homework policy was similar to school one's but included detention as a consequence for non-completion.The thesis can be accessed here: Exploring the effects of homework on secondary school adolescents’ leisure - IRep - Nottingham Trent University