RATIONALE

‘Homework’ is widely accepted as a valuable element in the process of learning:

• the reinforcement and practice of classroom learning.
• opportunities to develop key skills for independent learning such as research, planning, analysis, information gathering and time management.

There is a danger that ‘homework’ could be counter productive if not organised and presented appropriately. It could be considered and a source of real difficulty for some children, especially those with poor support at home, or for children with special educational needs.

We hope that this policy will clarify issues around ‘homework’ for parents and children.

In order to be effective, homework needs to be part of a wider partnership between home and school. Schools need to be able to count on parents’ support for their aims and parents need to be consulted and kept informed about school development.

Homework – a definition
Homework is any activity or work which children are asked to do outside lesson time, either on their own or with parents and family.

The purpose of homework

• To develop an effective partnership between school and parents
• To consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding, particularly in literacy and numeracy
• To exploit resources for learning at home and in the neighbourhood
• To extend school learning, for example through additional reading
• To encourage pupils to develop confidence, self discipline and initiative
• To build on and extend planned learning experiences beyond the classroom

Type and amount of homework

Key Stage 1

(5,6 and 7 year olds)

• At this stage it is important to develop a partnership with parents and involve them actively in the child’s learning and the activities children do at home will not be described as ‘homework’
• Any home based tasks should consist largely of regular reading, reading type activities and simple games with parents.
• In numeracy any ‘homework’ is likely to be simple number games and tasks.
• ‘Homework’ for other areas might be to find basic information, usually by asking parents or siblings
• ‘Homework’ will usually be given about twice per week and should average between fifteen minutes to one hour for the week

Key Stage 2

(8 to 11 year olds)

• Literacy and numeracy activities will continue to be the main areas for homework
• Activities might include learning spellings or times tables
• Research, reading for a purpose, preparation and written assignments will gradually begin to be introduced
• The amount of homework given will progressively increase as children get older with eight and nine year olds averaging 1 to 1.5 hours per week and ten and eleven year olds averaging 1.5 to 2.5 hours per week
• Children in Y6 will be prepared for secondary transfer

The teacher will ensure that the needs of the individual child are taken
into account when setting the amount and type of homework.

Parents and Homework

The partnership between school and parents is especially important with regard to homework.

In general terms parents should do their best to:

• Encourage and praise children for their efforts
• Make it clear to children that they value homework and support school
• Become actively involved in the tasks set, especially for younger children
• Show an interest in what the children are asked to do
• Provide a reasonably peaceful place in which children can do their homework
• Contact school if they feel work set is too difficult or too time consuming

Parents should contact school if they feel that any
work, task or activity sent home is not appropriate.