We believe that homework can play an important part in the education of children.
An overwhelming number of our parents are in favour of their children having homework. We also recognise that homework is a voluntary activity and in order for it to work we rely completely on parental support.
We accept fully that parents with more than one child may not be able to spend as much time with each child on homework tasks but do expect each child to read with a parent at least 3 times a week. Such time as may be given is much appreciated but is completely at parental discretion.
Our homework policy recognises that family life comes before homework and families have different lifestyles. Many children have evening or weekend activities and time to relax is also important. The homework we set will help each child’s education but not at the expense of family life.
Our current homework guidelines are set out below. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, do please speak to your child’s teacher, the headteacher or email the school.
EYFS
Reading and Phonics, Word and Number packs sent home to include High Frequency Words.
Year 1
- Daily reading (no specific time, but daily, little and often. We expect the children to read a minimum of 3 times a week)
- Years 1 High Frequency Words – to initially read individually, then in context.
- Topic work done or researched at home (optional) is shared within the class.
- Maths Activity / game
- Suggested web sites which have optional homework tasks to cover literacy and numeracy to consolidate work undertaken in class.
Year 2
- Daily reading (no specific time, but daily, little and often. We expect the children to read a minimum of 3 times a week)
- Spelling and High Frequency Words – to initially read individually, then in context. There will be a weekly spelling test.
- Maths – mental maths e.g. number bonds
- Suggested web sites which have optional homework tasks to cover literacy and numeracy to consolidate work undertaken in class.
- Science Activity / Topic work done or researched at home (optional) is shared within the class.
Year 3
In addition to reading at home, children will:
- Learn spellings using high frequency words and spelling rules for a weekly spelling test
- Learn times tables from Term 2 onwards
- Children will also have the opportunity of accessing web based materials
- Numeracy and Literacy or topic work on alternate weeks.
- Children may be expected to complete / finish classwork.
Year 4
In addition to the expectation for Year 3, children will:
- Learn spellings using high frequency words and spelling rules for a weekly spelling test
- Learn times tables
- Children will also have the opportunity of accessing web based materials
- Topic Research
- Have optional home learning activities suggested as part of topic etc.
In Years Three and Four, children who complete their homework are praised in class and there is regular encouragement.
Those who fail to complete work on a frequent basis are asked to carry out the activity in their own time in school. This may be during a break time.
Year 5
In addition to the work set for Years 3 and 4, children will:
- Have a piece of literacy and numeracy ~ approximately 30 minutes per week
- Occasional Topic project work set to replace Literacy or Numeracy
Year 6
In addition to the work set for Years 3, 4 and 5, children will:
- Have Maths homework weekly – a follow up task from work completed during the week.
- Additional ‘optional’ tasks set when appropriate from across the curriculum.
The expectation is that each homework task may take up to 30 minutes to complete. The important point here is for children to manage their time so that homework tasks are completed on time.
In Year 5 and 6, children completing homework are praised and outstanding examples of extra effort are rewarded.
Teachers keep a record of work completed. If required children are asked to complete tasks in their own time in the school day.
To make homework successful
- Set aside homework time each day – from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on your child’s level – and mark it on the calendar.
- Prepare a designated homework area: whether it’s a desk, or a clear spot at the kitchen table.
- Have a ‘homework box’ at the ready: filled with pens, pencils, eraser, ruler, calculator and paper for ‘working out’. Make sure this box is always stocked and ready to go.
- Switch off distractions such as the television or stereo.
- Make a snack and a drink so your child’s ready to go.
- Work out what works best for you. Some children like to get straight into homework, others prefer to play for an hour before knuckling down. Go with what suits your child.
- Set aside time so you can be there for guidance.
- Talk to your child’s teacher if you’re struggling with your child and homework. There are always options and your teacher may be prepared to help you work out a solution.
- If your child’s struggling with spelling, perhaps you could work out some spelling scramblers to help make spelling words fun.
- Plan ahead for projects – so you don’t stay up all night the night before.
Online Safety
All the Parents E-Safety Self-Help PDFs can be downloaded from our Online Safety section under “information”.
