We recently caught up with Katie, who leads our Homework Club with a brilliant team of volunteers, for a Q&A—and heard directly from some of the students too.
Tell us a bit about your experience running Homework Club.
I love getting to know the children and families who come to RSG. I arrived in the UK as a child myself and remember how bewildering it felt. Later, I watched my own children settle into schools abroad without knowing the language. I understand how isolating that experience can be, and how important the right support is.
How does Homework Club work?
Homework Club supports primary-aged children, from Reception to Year 6. Sessions take place in local schools, where children work with sixth form student volunteers on homework, reading, and areas they find challenging.
As E. (Year 5) explains:
“Homework Club is nice and it’s very helpful. When you don’t understand something, you can show it to the helpers and they explain it very well. Then you learn what it is.
I was struggling with my Maths work on fractions and I brought it to Kendrick. The next day at school, I knew what to do. I learn how to speak in English and how to write spellings for my school spelling tests. I showed my spellings to one of the students and the next day I did well. Everyone should try Homework Club. The students really help”
Parents are also supported, with space to connect, practice English, and share experiences over tea.
Why is this support so important for refugee children?
Many children are adapting to a new language, education system, and culture, all at once. Some have had disrupted schooling or very different learning experiences.
M (Year 3) puts it simply: “Homework Club is engaging and helpful. When you work at stuff at Homework Club, then you know what to do at school. I bring my Maths or English homework and show it to one of the helpers. They help me to work it out and when I go back to school, I understand the lesson. It’s fun. We meet, me and my friends. We have a snack and a drink which helps me focus after a day at school.”
The club provides a safe environment where children can ask questions, build understanding, and gain confidence.
What impact does the club have on families?
Many parents want to support their children but face language barriers or unfamiliar school systems. Homework Club helps bridge this gap, offering guidance, reassurance, and a sense of community.
R (Year 4) shares: “It’s interesting. It helps a lot. When we were at the summer picnic, I was good at rounders. I didn’t have anyone to play with but then everyone joined in. Sometimes I practice my spellings at Homework Club. I like the biscuits best and I like the help.”
The Homework Club offers not just learning and support but also a space where refugee families can meet and share what they’ve they are experiencing, somewhere where they are welcomed and encouraged to feel at ease and ask questions about things they find confusing. And as the children see their parents relax and laugh and share the week’s problems and funny stories, the children feel safe too.
What changes have you seen in the children?
We see children grow in confidence, become more relaxed, and develop strong relationships with volunteers. They begin to engage more fully in school and feel more capable in their learning.
As D. (Year 5) says:
“I like all the students that help me and show kindness towards me. It helps with my school work and I improve every day; the teacher told me I’m doing well. I find it really helpful when I do word problems in Maths. I like how it’s tricky and they help me with it. I like the chocolate biscuits and now it’s my favourite. I like the squash. I need some energy..”
What would happen without Homework Club?
Without this support, many children would struggle to complete homework, fall behind in class, and lose confidence. They would also miss out on opportunities to practice English and connect with others in similar situations.
You can help support integration services like our homework club by donating today!
