Homework Policy 2011

Priestthorpe Primary School

Homework

Policy

September 2011

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Priestthorpe Primary School

Homework Policy

Partnership between the home and the school

Parents, carers and other family members can and do make a real difference to children’s education. When parents and school work together, children do better. Children learn a great deal at nursery and at school and parents can add a great deal to that learning by supporting them at home. For example, showing an interest in their homework and talking to them about it really helps them to learn. With support and encouragement children find it easier to get into the homework habit.

We also believe that homework should be as stress-free and rewarding as possible, allowing time for play and social activities at home.

o The main purposes of homework are: -

o To give children the opportunity to practise and consolidate their learning.

o To work independently

o To take more responsibility for their own learning

o To encourage self-discipline and perseverance and develop confidence.

o To help children to plan and organise their time.

o To develop ‘the homework habit’ in preparation for secondary school.

o To help children realise that their achievements are regarded as important by home and school and therefore raise their self esteem.

o To further develop our links with parents.

o To help parents and other carers to understand more clearly what their children are learning in school.

o To inform parents and carers of approaches and techniques used in school.

o To value the home and local environment as a source of learning.

At Priestthorpe we endeavour to inform parents each half term of the planning for their child’s class so they can support their children’s learning at home. The tasks set by the teacher are in line with the activities planned for them and often support or reinforce the learning taking place at school.

Homework arrangements work well when the parent/carer, the child and the teacher understand their roles.


Teacher’s Roleo To set homework which is interesting and at the right levelo To set realistic deadlineso To give recognition for effort and work well done

Pupil’s Roleo To be organised so necessary information is not left at schoolo To make time to do their homeworko To complete tasks with as much effort and standard of presentation as class

worko To return completed homework to the teacher on time

Parent’s Roleo To help children to find a suitable time and place to complete homeworko To support children with tasks but not to do it for themo To check homeworko To contact the school with any concerns

Reading is an important skill throughout the primary school. At KS1 parents need to share a book with their child, encouraging them to talk about the cover, pictures as well as the text and read stories to them regularly so that they develop a love of books. At KS2 it is important that an adult asks open questions about the content of a book, its characters, description, setting, which type of book it is, author’s intention in writing this particular type of book etc.An information sheet giving guidance on ways to support your child’s reading is available from the class teacher.

DfES Recommendations

DfES recommendations for homework in primary schools are as follows: -

Years 1 & 2 approximately 1 hour per week(reading, spelling, Literacy work and Numeracy work)

Years 3 & 4 approximately 1.5 hours per week (reading, spelling, Literacy and Numeracy work)

Years 5 & 6 approximately thirty minutes a day (reading, spelling, Literacy and Numeracy work)

At Priestthorpe Primary School we recognise that the purpose and extent of homework changes as children get older. Consequently, in line with government guidance, the amount and type of homework and the time allocated to it increases as the children move through school.

NurseryThere is a range of reading and picture books for parents to borrow to take home to share with their children. There is also a toy library which parents are free to access.

ReceptionReading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key reception words (high frequency). They will also practise letter sounds and when appropriate, the formation of letters


Year 1Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key Year 1 words (high frequency).

Year2Children should spend 10 minutes a night on homework.Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key words.Either a piece of Literacy or Numeracy work will be set each week in addition to reading.

Year 3Children should spend 10-15 minutes a night on homework.

Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key words.Weekly spellingsEither a piece of Literacy or Numeracy work will also be set each week.

Year 4Children should spend 15 minutes a night on homework.Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key words.Weekly spellingsEither a piece of Literacy or Numeracy work will also be set each week.

Year 5Children should spend 20 minutes a night on homework.Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the keywords.Weekly spellingsLiteracy Numeracy

Year 6Children should spend 30 minutes a night on homework.Reading books - it is expected that children will read every night and practise the key words.Weekly spellingsLiteracy Numeracy Plus one other subject

In Key Stage 2, homework is set on a Friday and handed back to the teacher on a Thursday.

All children are expected to complete their homework. This is celebrated in different ways within the various classes.

Special Educational Needs

Throughout the school the planning of homework tasks will take into account the needs of children with special educational needs. Careful planning will ensure that the level of demand is appropriate and that guidance to parents is clear.

Through the implementation of this policy we aim to:


o ensure a consistent approach throughout the schoolo encourage children to develop increasing independence and a sense of

personal responsibilityo make expectations about homework clear to children, parents and carerso extend the opportunities provided for learningo improve the depth of understanding and the quality of the partnership between

home and school

Signed: …………………………….......(Headteacher) Date: …2.9.11

Signed: …………………………………….. (Governor) Date: ……………………….

Review Date:


Documents

Homework Policy 2011