Purposes of Homework
The Study Group sees homework as serving the following purposes:

1. Encouraging self-discipline and personal organisation
2. Reinforcing learning that goes on in the classroom
3. Allowing parents direct involvement in their children’s learning

Style and Format of Work Set

• The actual work given is on the supplementary pages attached. The frequency and length of tasks will vary according to the age and needs of the child and according to the teaching programme of work at the time.

• Tasks may include amongst others: reading, learning of tables, spellings, completion and / or extension of work begun in class, additional research, collecting information etc.

• Tasks set will vary in their nature, and will not necessarily be just in a written style.

• Homework for the older pupils, especially those in Year 6, is an important way of introducing them to the increased demands which will be made on transfer to Secondary education.

• Parents can help in many ways. Initially providing a quiet place for study is vital, and encouraging and supporting them. Then hearing children read (especially the younger ones); testing what has been set to be learnt; asking them to explain what they have been studying. Children work at different rates and so homework will take longer for some. Understanding and consideration for a child’s level is the key. Homework should not become a source of family tension.

• In Key Stage 1 parents are asked to work alongside their child, hearing them read etc. By Key Stage 2 children should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own work, and keep homework diaries.

• If the classteacher feels that additional work would be appropriate adequate time will be allowed for work to be set and materials to be gathered and completed.

• Additional work will not normally be set simply because a child is being taken out of school for a holiday. In these cases parents are encouraged to keep a daily journal with their child. If a parent feels that particular circumstances (such as prolonged absence due to illness) warrant additional homework this should be discussed with the classteacher.

Time for Homework

Foundation / Key Stage 1: Daily weekday work of around 30 minutes
Key Stage 2: Daily weekday work of around 30 minutes increasing to an hour by Year 6. Work can cover over a weekend allowing more time if needed.

Details of work to be covered in different age groups
FOUNDATION AND KEY STAGE 1

• Nursery : Parents are encouraged to read / share books chosen by the children and brought home by them.

• R, Years 1 & 2 : Children should read from a variety of reading materials every night.
• Years 1 & 2 : Children will be given a maths homework each week.
• Year 2 : Spelling homework is introduced throughout the year

KEY STAGE 2

• Years 3 & 4 :
  • a) Children should read to an adult every night, and be given the opportunity to discuss the material and reflect on it.
  • b) Children will be given a maths homework once a week.
  • c) Children are expected to learn weekly spellings and times tables.
  • d) Children are sometimes given work to complete in a variety of subjects.
• Year 5 :

  • a) Children are given reading every day, of which three days should be together with an adult. They should be given the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the material.

  • b) Maths is set at least once a week, with additional work as required.
  • c) Children are given a weekly spelling list to learn.
  • d) Children are sometimes given work to complete in a variety of subjects.
• Year 6 :
  • a) Reading for a sustained period of time is given on a daily basis.
  • b) Maths is set at least three times a week.
  • c) Children are given a weekly spelling list to learn.
  • d) Children are given work to complete in a variety of subjects.
  • e) In the Spring term homework increases to prepare for both the SATs and secondary school transfer tests.

Policy Adopted February 2005
Date for Revision February 2008