Homework Policy
Pool CE School Homework Policy
Introduction
Learning at home is an essential part of good education. Regular homework is important, since it gives pupils the opportunity to practise and improve on basic skills. It also helps children to become confident and independent in their learning, which will help them throughout their time at school, and in adult life.
DfES guidance on homework, March 2004
Rationale
At Pool CE School we see homework as a positive way of extending children's learning and a way of strengthening our partnerships with parents / carers. Children will be given homework on a regular basis, in accordance with DfES guidelines.
However, we also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child's growth and development. While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of activities provided by clubs and organisations, which can contribute greatly to a child's all-round development.
Our aims
- to give regular practice of important basic skills, particularly in reading
- to reinforce, support or extend work done in class
- to develop independent learning and organisational skills
- to promote a partnership between home and school in supporting each child's learning
Types of homework
Homework given may include any of the following:
Reading - Ideally every child should do some form of reading each day (recommended 10 to 20 minutes). This can include the child being read to, the child reading aloud to an adult or, for more experienced readers, reading on their own.
Spelling - pupils may be asked to investigate spelling patterns and rules or to learn spellings by heart.
Maths Games - Pupils in Y1 to Y5 are given these as homework to develop mathematical thinking and to practise basic skills. Parents are encouraged to play these games with their children.
Times tables and number bonds - children are encouraged to commit these to memory to improve speed of recall. Teachers will specify particular tables for their classes to learn.
Topic linked activities - children may be asked to find out information about a topic, find an object for display or to carry out a simple task.
Formal tasks - these may include the completion of worksheets, workbooks or revision guides.
Completion of tasks / additional practice - children may occasionally be asked to complete a piece of work started in school or to practise a particular skill. This is likely to be set in addition to regular homework.
Music practice - children who are learning to play a musical instrument at school should set aside time for regular practice, ideally on a daily basis.
Amount of homework
Year Time Type of homework
YR 1 hr per wk Reading and informal topic activities
Y1 1 hr per week Reading and informal topic activities, Maths games
Y2 and Y3 1.5 hrs per week Reading and spelling activities,
Maths games Times tables
Informal / formal topic related activities
Y4 and Y5 2 hrs per week Reading and spellings
Maths games / Times tables
Informal / formal topic related activities
Y6 30 mins daily Reading and spellings
Mental maths
Revision activities in English, Maths and Science
Pupils with Special Educational Needs
The type of homework outlined above is generally accessible for all pupils with minimum differentiation. For pupils on the SEN register it may be appropriate for teachers to set homework linked to specific IEP targets.
Non-completion of homework
Pupils who do not hand work in on time may be asked to complete that work during break times etc. Children may be allowed to complete homework at lunchtime where they do not have the necessary materials or facilities at home.
Roles and responsibilities
Teachers should:
- make sure children are clear about what they are expected to do for homework and when it should be handed in
- follow up children who do not hand in homework or who hand it in late
- provide verbal or written feedback
Children will be expected to:
- take their work home / hand it in on the correct day
- complete all tasks to the best of their ability
- take pride in their work
Parents are asked to:
- take an interest in work given to be done at home
- to support their children with homework (see Homework Guidelines)
Introduction
Learning at home is an essential part of good education. Regular homework is important, since it gives pupils the opportunity to practise and improve on basic skills. It also helps children to become confident and independent in their learning, which will help them throughout their time at school, and in adult life.
DfES guidance on homework, March 2004
Rationale
At Pool CE School we see homework as a positive way of extending children's learning and a way of strengthening our partnerships with parents / carers. Children will be given homework on a regular basis, in accordance with DfES guidelines.
However, we also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child's growth and development. While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of activities provided by clubs and organisations, which can contribute greatly to a child's all-round development.
Our aims
- to give regular practice of important basic skills, particularly in reading
- to reinforce, support or extend work done in class
- to develop independent learning and organisational skills
- to promote a partnership between home and school in supporting each child's learning
Types of homework
Homework given may include any of the following:
Reading - Ideally every child should do some form of reading each day (recommended 10 to 20 minutes). This can include the child being read to, the child reading aloud to an adult or, for more experienced readers, reading on their own.
Spelling - pupils may be asked to investigate spelling patterns and rules or to learn spellings by heart.
Maths Games - Pupils in Y1 to Y5 are given these as homework to develop mathematical thinking and to practise basic skills. Parents are encouraged to play these games with their children.
Times tables and number bonds - children are encouraged to commit these to memory to improve speed of recall. Teachers will specify particular tables for their classes to learn.
Topic linked activities - children may be asked to find out information about a topic, find an object for display or to carry out a simple task.
Formal tasks - these may include the completion of worksheets, workbooks or revision guides.
Completion of tasks / additional practice - children may occasionally be asked to complete a piece of work started in school or to practise a particular skill. This is likely to be set in addition to regular homework.
Music practice - children who are learning to play a musical instrument at school should set aside time for regular practice, ideally on a daily basis.
Amount of homework
Year Time Type of homework
YR 1 hr per wk Reading and informal topic activities
Y1 1 hr per week Reading and informal topic activities, Maths games
Y2 and Y3 1.5 hrs per week Reading and spelling activities,
Maths games Times tables
Informal / formal topic related activities
Y4 and Y5 2 hrs per week Reading and spellings
Maths games / Times tables
Informal / formal topic related activities
Y6 30 mins daily Reading and spellings
Mental maths
Revision activities in English, Maths and Science
Pupils with Special Educational Needs
The type of homework outlined above is generally accessible for all pupils with minimum differentiation. For pupils on the SEN register it may be appropriate for teachers to set homework linked to specific IEP targets.
Non-completion of homework
Pupils who do not hand work in on time may be asked to complete that work during break times etc. Children may be allowed to complete homework at lunchtime where they do not have the necessary materials or facilities at home.
Roles and responsibilities
Teachers should:
- make sure children are clear about what they are expected to do for homework and when it should be handed in
- follow up children who do not hand in homework or who hand it in late
- provide verbal or written feedback
Children will be expected to:
- take their work home / hand it in on the correct day
- complete all tasks to the best of their ability
- take pride in their work
Parents are asked to:
- take an interest in work given to be done at home
- to support their children with homework (see Homework Guidelines)