Primary School - Reviewed Homework Policy

Reviewed Homework Policy

In response to parental requests regarding changing the current homework policy, we have decided to make several amendments.  The new approach will improve both the quality of home learning, which directly supports preparation for IPC exit points and will consolidate learning for the main core subjects of science, literacy and numeracy.

Rationale
Educational research states that ‘What a school by itself provides is limited; children benefit from wider, complementary experiences out of school’.  We believe homework as an important part of the cooperation between teachers and parents.  An aim of our teaching is to promote independent learners; homework is one of the ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.
Whilst homework develops children’s learning and independence, play and free time are also important. Homework should not prevent children from taking part in wider activities such as those offered by out-of-school clubs and other organisations. Children develop their interests and skills only when parents encourage them to make maximum use of the opportunities available outside of school.

Aims and principles
We value homework for our children in order to:

• enable them to make maximum progress in their academic and social development
• develop skills as independent learners
• promote cooperation between home and school in supporting learning
• enable aspects of the curriculum to be explored and enriched
• provide experiences not possible in school
• consolidate and reinforce learning in school and to enable practice at home
• help children develop good work habits thereby increasing their economic well-being in the future

Inclusion and equal opportunities
We set homework for all children as a normal part of school life. There will always be an open-ended task so each child can enjoy and achieve to their full potential. If the task is not open-ended (e.g. spelling and numeracy facts) homework will be set at the age-related expectations.

Homework Tasks
Foundation Years 
Children in Foundation Years are sent weekly learning letters outlining their learning for the following week. It also includes a “Home learning” section which includes some ideas for fun activities for parents to do with their children. The activities are optional, but they do support children in working towards achieving expectations outlined in the Early Years guidance.

Years 1-6 
Each week the Year Leaders 1-6 will send out the following Homework Schedule.  This clearly shows the learning objectives in the main core areas of maths, science and literacy, which have been covered that week in class (example below is year 4).  It also includes a project related to the class theme which will be part of the Exit Points presentation.  We will include a worksheet as a PDF that provides example questions for each of the core subjects. This is a consolidation of work completed during the week and it will provide revision examples for the term’s assessment tests.  This will be sent each week to parents via email, however, if parents wish to receive the homework via hard copy, a request should be made through the communication book.

Parents play a vital role in their child’s education, including homework. Parents should help by encouraging and discussing ideas and by ensuring their child has a good working space at home. Parents should contact the class teacher with questions/concerns through the communication book.