Homework

WHY HOMEWORK?

Over the past 20 years there has been a steady shift of attitude within primary schools which reflects an increasing willingness to recognise the key role of parents as prime educators. Many teachers have tried to build on that knowledge and interest by involving parents in their children's education through such initiatives as "shared reading". There is overwhelming evidence that such well planned collaboration produces positive effects upon children's learning.

Although many parents continue to want to be actively involved in supporting homework alongside their children throughout the primary phase, there is also the need for children to begin to develop the skills of independent study, especially towards the age of 10 and 11. Good study habits established at an early age have a positive impact on preparing pupils for their lives as students at secondary school, in further or higher education and life beyond.

WHAT IS HOMEWORK?

There can often be greater disagreement about this question than any other aspect of the homework debate.

"Homework" is best viewed as:

"any activity that seeks to make effective links between home and school in supporting children's learning and development."

The following list would all constitute legitimate homework activity within this broad framework (and, of course, there will be many more examples):

reading with a parent;
a family visit to a local museum;
finishing off work from class;
going swimming;
undertaking individual research for a project at home or at the local library;
learning number facts [tables];
learning to ride a bike safely;
memorising a poem;
being an active member of a sports club or youth organisation.

WHY DO HOMEWORK?

Regular, well planned homework can...

develop good work habits and self discipline;
encourage skills and attitudes which help children improve their educational performance;
help parents to gain insight into their child's schoolwork;
provide opportunities for individualised work;
offer access to resources not found in school [public libraries, local museums...];
assist preparation for future class work;
provide a context for pupil/parent interaction.

WHAT HAPPENS TO HOMEWORK?

These are some of the ways in which schools have tried to improve communication about homework:

organising year group workshops at the start of each year to discuss the year's work, the types of homework that can be expected and suggesting other ways that parents can help;
sending similar details home on a side of A4 for those who can't attend the meeting;
pupils' successes outside school can be recognised and celebrated in school assemblies:
a homework diary where teachers, pupils and parents can write to each other about work between home and school;
presentation of awards and certificates for those pupils who regularly complete homework or produce work of a high standard.
Central to all of these approaches is the consideration that the homework is purposeful, relevant and will be recognised by the adults involved whether this is written or oral feedback to the child, a celebration of work within the class or year group or celebrating excellent work on the school website and through display:
annual survey of pupils, parents and staff for views and feedback on homework.

Our staff hope that you can support us in getting the balance right. We want to work together with you to do help your child be the best they can possibly be and reach their full potential. If you have any concerns about the homework set, or, you feel that the homework is just right, please do contact your child's teacher

It is worth noting that when children deliberately do not attempt to do homework (and this does not include when family emergencies occur), children will be required to remain inside during their own time to complete their work. Allowing one child to opt out of doing homework whilst everyone else is expected to complete it causes bad feeling amongst a class. We therefore make it very clear that we expect everyone to be treated equally and all children are required to complete homework.

Thank you to all parents that returned the homework survey. As you may have expected there was a wide range of thoughts and views on homework; from too much, to not enough, too hard to too easy.

We have looked at homework from all angles; the child, the parent and the school. As a school we feel that homework is important to reflect and revise previous learning, and to prepare for secondary school. However we also recognise that children work hard all day in school and need time to relax, play and to participate in other activities and clubs. With all of this in mind, the new homework structure for the junior school will be as follows:

Weekly spellings
Weekly Maths: Mathletics and/ or non-negotiable maths reinforcement
Daily reading and recording in reading records (x6 per week)
'Prove-it' homework once per term

'Prove-it' homework will be set once each term, and will ask the children to reflect on an area of study or a concept that they have learned throughout the term; for example, The Water Cycle. The children will be asked to demonstrate their understanding but be given the freedom to present this in any way. They could decide to design a poster or a leaflet, or make a model or mini documentary. It is entirely their decision on how they reflect this learning.

‘Prove-it’ homework will be celebrated in class and on the school website within year group pages.

Please Ask

There will be times when your child comes home from school wearing a green (Juniors) or blue (Infants) wristband. The wristband will ask you to ask your child about a specific subject or action that they should be very proud, and give you an opportunity to discuss with them what they have learnt or what they did.

My thanks for your continued support, we will review the school's homework provision in the future and again gather your views.

Tara Gratton

Executive Headteacher