“A good well organised homework programme helps children and young people to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful independent lifelong learning.” DfES
Introduction
Research over a number of years in this and other countries has shown that homework can make an important contribution to pupils’ progress at school. An OfSTED report confirms that “…many pupils and their parents see work done at home as a valuable and essential part of school work. When used properly it extends the challenge open to the pupil and ensures that teaching time is used to maximum effect.”
Homework need not, and should not get in the way of other activities which the children may do after school such as sport, music and clubs of all kinds.
General Policy
This homework policy is seen as part of the school’s overall learning and assessment strategy;
- homework tasks should be carefully planned and structured to support progression in learning as part of the school’s schemes of work
- there should be consistent practice across the school in setting, managing and marking homework
- there will be a regular programme so that everyone, teachers, children and parents, knows what to expect each week
- pupils and parents should be very clear about what they need to do
- parents should be treated as partners in their children’s learning
- there should be high expectations of pupils in completing homework
- pupils should receive prompt clear feedback on their work.
This policy will be reviewed annually by the leadership group and the governors.
What is Homework?
Homework refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to de outside lesson time either on their own or with parents.
The Purpose of Homework
- Homework should consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding particularly in literacy and numeracy.
- Homework should exploit resources for learning of all kinds at home.
- Homework should extend school learning, for example through additional reading.
- Homework should encourage pupils as they get older to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own.
- The purpose of homework will change as children get older.
The Types and Amount of Homework
Throughout the primary school regular reading is vital.
For children in Key Stage One, homework should very largely consist of regular reading with parents.
Other literacy related homework should include learning spellings and practising correct punctuation.
Number activities should be set approximately twice a week for all children.
In addition to these regular activities older children should be given some homework, gradually increasing in its demands, of other kinds. This will include:
- finding out information
- reading in preparation for lessons
- preparing oral presentations
- more traditional written assignments.
Homework should not simply be used to finish off written work carried out in class.
Recommended Time Allocation for Homework
|
Years 1 & 2 |
One hour per week |
Reading , spellings, other literacy work and number work |
|
Years 3 & 4 |
One and a half-hours per week. |
Literacy and numeracy as for Years 1 & 2 with occasional assignments in other subjects |
|
Years 5 & 6 |
Thirty minutes per day |
Regular weekly schedule with continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy but also ranging widely over the curriculum. |
As children become older their expected daily reading programme will not always be part of the allocated homework schedule.
S.E.N.
For pupils with SEN homework should:
- have a very clear focus and time-guideline
- give plenty of opportunities for the pupil to succeed
- help develop social as well as other skills where necessary
- be varied and not purely written assignments
- be manageable for teachers.
The Planning and Co-ordination of Homework
The classteacher is responsible for ensuring that the demands of homework are manageable for pupils and parents on a day-to-day basis.
Weekly plans should include a programme of homework.
The Role of Parents in Supporting Pupils
Parents should:
- provide a reasonably peaceful, suitable place for their child to do their homework – alone or together with an adult
- make it clear to their child that they value homework and support the school
- explain to their child how homework helps their learning
- encourage and praise their child when they have completed their homework.
The school is currently investigating ways of providing supervised facilities for pupils to do homework. Our Learning Mentor, Mrs Eckersley, will work with Y6 pupils having difficulty completing homework tasks.
Feedback for Pupils Parents and Teachers
Children should receive appropriate feedback as quickly as possible. For example through class discussion, tests (e.g.: tables and spellings) or individual comments
Regular dialogue with parents will be established through homework diaries.
Homework should not place extra bureaucratic pressure on teachers.
Arrangements for Monitoring and Evaluating the Policy
The leadership team will monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of this policy.
The Key Stage co-ordinators will check a sample of homework diaries and assignments from each year group each half term. They will discuss with teachers how far school policy is being successfully implemented.
The policy will be reviewed each year and presented to the governors’ curriculum committee.
Homework Programme
Each team of year group teachers should build into their schemes of work a homework programme. The plans for homework should fit into the whole year group framework and compliment classroom programmes.
Specific programmes of homework for Anchorsholme School are contained in individual year group schedules.
