Picture the scene: your alarm clock goes off, you yawn, stretch and head downstairs to eat your cereal. You're half way through your toast when the realisation hits you… you haven't done your geography homework that's due in for first period!!
If this happens regularly, we recommend you to take a look at our guide on how to get more organised when doing your homework, but if it's a one off mistake, then try not to worry. Watch our short video or read or guide below for all the deets on what you should do if you've not done your homework.
Our Homework Helpline heroes are comedians Louise Young, Inel Tomlinson, and actor Lenny Rush – happy to help!
Lenny: Oh, there’s a call coming through.
Emmanuel: Hi, my name is Emmanuel and I'm in Year 10, and my question is: there's been a couple of occasions where I've struggled to get my homework done, what should I do if this happens again?
Inel: Oh Emmanuel, you know that dread? When you're coming in, and like, oh didn't quite get it done. Bringing back the memories!
Lenny: But no need to worry. We've asked some experts what to do if this happens to you. So, first things first, always give it go, even if you're not quite sure, just try not to leave anything blank just so that you can show your effort.
Louise: Yeah, and I think if you are struggling, you can tell a teacher, but really try and make it so its a few days before the homework's actually due, not like on the day that's handed in, but to be honest with you it happens. Sometimes we can put loads of things in place to get homework done and it just doesn't go to plan, but don't panic, let a teacher know. Be really honest. The key islet them know as early as possible.
Lenny: And yeah, you might get a negative mark, but if it's a one off you can always bring yourself back next time.
Inel: Oh, as long as you don't make a habit of not completing your homework, they'll understand, and if it is a regular occurrence, and you are struggling to do your homework, then the best thing to do is to let someone know at the school so they can help you and put a plan of action in place to support you.
Louise: Absolutely, yeah, and also it's worth remembering that sometimes there's gonna be one off occasions when you just can't get your homework done, you know, if you feel unwell or something, and I think the most important thing in that case is just to let your teacher know, and let them know as early as possible. So, to recap, let a teacher know if you can't get the homework done as early as possible.
Lenny: And if you are unwell, just let you teach you know that you haven't been well enough to complete the homework.
Inel: And be honest, maybe your dog actually did eat your homework.
Louise: Mine actually did once.
Inel: Really?
Louise: No, I did. And take a look at loads more helpful hints and homework tips on BBC Bitesize Support.
Help! I've not done my homework!!
Tell your teacher
If you can see early on that you might have an issue with completing homework before the due date, try telling your teacher as soon as you realise. If this isn’t possible, try and tell them before, or at the start of, the lesson where you should be handing it in.
If you need help
Where possible, ask for help well before the homework is due, rather than on the day you have to hand it in. This is another reason to develop a schedule for getting homework done in good time.
Seek support
It might be that, despite doing this, you still get some kind of negative mark this time. However, if this kind of thing happens regularly, or if you’re often really struggling to get homework done, it might be worth talking to someone at school. Is there a teacher you can talk to, or another member of staff? They'll want to know that this is happening, and will look for ways to support you.
I feel sick
Remember, if you’re ill, you might not be able to do your homework, and your teacher will understand this – but again, it’s best to anticipate this. Let them know as soon as you’re able to, rather than waiting for them to chase you.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
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