Homework

Homework is a valuable element of the teaching and learning process, and children are encouraged to work at home on a regular basis. Regular homework is important as it gives pupils the opportunity to practise at home, reinforcing tasks done in class, and further develop specific skills. It also helps pupils to become confident and independent learners. It must be remembered, however, that children have worked very hard at their lessons and many of them, particularly the younger ones, will be tired at the end of the school day. Expecting them to tackle large amounts of homework in the evening would not be appropriate. Homework will be given in moderation, and parents must acknowledge that the many excellent out-of-school sporting, musical, social and recreational activities that children are involved with these days are a very important part of their whole learning experience. Similarly, spending quality time with parents, sharing all manner of activities, is essential for children. Homework should not be viewed as a substitute for this.

Early years foundation stage

Parents and carers of children in Reception are expected to record reading with their child every day. Children’s reading records are checked every day. Although children are encouraged to read books more than once, they can change them every day. Every child has access to Monster Phonics eBooks and Numbots.

Key stage 1

Parents and carers are expected to record their child’s reading every day. Children’s reading records are checked every day. Although children are encouraged to read books more than once, they can change them every day. There are weekly handwriting/spelling and White Rose Maths tasks, reinforcing lessons. Every child has access to either Numbots or Times Tables Rock Stars. Homework is provided on Friday and collected on Wednesday.

Lower key stage 2

Children have a plain book in class to record their reading more creatively. At home, they are expected to learn 10 spellings, reflecting the focus in lessons, provided on Friday for a test the following week. Children are issued with a Maths Practice Journal (answers are downloadable), aligned with the scheme we follow; they should complete the chapters as the matching units are covered in class, and progress is reviewed by teachers half-termly. Every child has access to Times Tables Rock Stars. During the holiday, pupils are challenged to undertake a project linked to a foundation subject.

Upper key stage 2

Children have a plain book in class to record their reading more creatively. At home, they are expected to learn 10 spellings, reflecting the focus in lessons, provided on Friday for a test the following week. Children are issued with a Maths Practice Journal (answers are downloadable), aligned with the scheme we follow; they should complete the chapters as the matching units are covered in class, and progress is reviewed by teachers half-termly. There is also a weekly grammar/punctuation task, reflecting the focus in lessons, provided on Friday, and this should be returned for marking by the following Thursday. Every child has access to Times Tables Rock Stars. During the holiday, pupils are challenged to undertake a project linked to a foundation subject.