Homework

The main purpose of homework is…

  • To encourage pupils to develop the skill, confidence and motivation to study independently at home effectively.
  • To consolidate and reinforce the skills and understanding developed at school.
  • To extend school learning through activities such as additional reading and research.
  • To develop and sustain the involvement of parents in the management of their child’s learning and to keep them informed about the work and progress their child is achieving.
  • To explore the wide range resources for learning at home e.g. the internet, a library, adult knowledge and newspapers.
  • To maintain good channels of communication between home and school.
  • To offer pupils the opportunity to extend their learning by including optional, additional challenges or open ended questions.
  • To consolidate spellings of high frequency words through inspiring and creative spelling word tasks to alternate with the regular ‘spelling sentences’.

Homework at Kessingland CofE Primary Academy – Key Principles

  • The amount and difficulty of homework is tailored according to the child’s age and ability.
  • Sufficient time is allowed for the completion of homework to allow for a healthy home/school work balance.
  • As the children progress through the school so the amount of homework increases.
  • Teacher’s incorporate homework into their weekly planning and ensure that the tasks are differentiated, purposeful and aimed at developing and consolidating basic skills.
  • Teachers provide parents and pupils with clear learning objectives and motivational instructions for tasks as well as clear examples of work to guide both children and adults.
  • High expectations for neat presentation are in place to ensure that children maintain a similar high standard of work at home as in school.

Homework Guidelines for each Phase

We believe that the most important homework activity is regular reading. Suggested reading times are 5-10 minutes in Reception increasing to 15 minutes by Year 5 & 6. There is an expectation that reading at home will happen daily (5 times a week minimum). It is important for parents/carers to read with children and to discuss books, pictures and stories, even when they are in Year 6. Children’s reading diaries are to be signed by parents/carers daily, after hearing children read.

The nature and content of homework set, and the amount of time needed to complete homework will vary from year to year and from child to child.

Homework Times

Year Group Homework Tasks
Nursery Home Focus Books
Reception Reading, Phonics work and Home Focus Books
Year 1 Reading, Common Exception and Red Word Spelling and Home Focus Books
Year Group Breakdown of Time Total Task Time Ongoing Homework
Year 2 Spellings
1x written Maths task weekly (CGP)
1x English task weekly (CGP)
30 minutes Daily Reading
Learning spellings
Learning times tables (TT Rockstars)
Year 3 and 4
(LKS2)
Spellings
1x written Maths task weekly (CGP)
1x English task weekly (CGP)         Science/ Topic homework twice per half term
1 hour Daily Reading
Learning spellings
Learning times tables (TT Rockstars)
Years 5 and 6
(UKS2)

Spellings

1x written Maths task weekly (CGP)
1x English task weekly (CGP)
Science/ Topic homework twice per half term

1 hour 45 minutes Daily Reading
Learning spellings
Learning times tables (TT Rockstars)

How you can help your child with their homework?

Below is a list of ways that you as a parent can show your child that you value their homework and the time and effort spent completing it. The school will also provide clear and regular reminders of their expectation when it comes to homework. As a school we hope that you will find this guidance helpful in supporting your child fully with their homework.

 

You can show you value your child’s homework by:

  • Providing a suitable place in which your child can do their homework, preferably with an adult to discuss, encourage and support.
  • Making it clear to your child that you value homework and support the school in explaining how it can help learning.
  • Encouraging your child and praising them when they have completed work set.
  • Signing and dating your child’s completed homework to show that it is a true reflection of their best efforts.
  • Ensuring work is complete and returned to school on time.
  • Checking your child spends a suitable amount of time on homework.

Additionally, you can support your child’s development by:

  • Visits to libraries, museums etc.
  • Cooking with them.
  • Taking your child swimming.
  • Playing games, e.g. board games, cards, ball games.
  • Watching informative TV programmes together.
  • Providing opportunities for craft activities, e.g. cutting, sticking, sewing, painting etc.
  • Gardening and growing plants.
  • Using the internet to research something with your child (following guidelines for safe internet use).
  • Attending any school workshops that may be on offer designed to enable.
  • Parents/Carers to support their child’s learning at home.
  • Talking to your child about schoolwork, their day, what they have been learning about and how they have been learning.

Remember

Homework is about reinforcing, practicing and confidence building…

Enthusing your child about undertaking homework and modelling the high value of homework to them is of key importance. Make it fun!

 

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