Homework is important at all stages in a child’s education and when used properly, it extends the challenge open to the pupil and ensures that teaching time is used to maximize effect. Homework makes a significant contribution to the development of independent learning.

Aims:

Through this policy we aim to:

  • ensure that parents are clear about what their child is expected to do
  • ensure consistency of approach throughout the school
  • use homework as a tool to help continue to raise standards of attainment
  • improve the quality of the learning experience offered to pupils and to extend it beyond the classroom environment
  • provide opportunities for parents, children and the school to work together in partnership in relation to our pupil’s learning
  • reinforce work covered in class by providing further opportunities for individual learning
  • practise and consolidate basic skills and knowledge, especially in Numeracy and Literacy
  • encourage children to develop the responsibility, confidence and self-discipline needed to study independently
  • enable children to transfer skills cross-curricular

The Nature of Homework

Homework can be set in different ways, and with different expectations and outcomes:

  • The nature and type of homework should change throughout a pupil’s school career
  • The nature and type of homework should consolidate classroom learning
  • The amount and frequency of homework should increase as a pupil gets older, but should always be appropriate to the ability of the individual child
  • Homework should not cause undue stress on the pupil, the parents or the teacher
  • Homework must be set regularly from Year 1 to Year 6

Recommended Time Allocation

Homework should never be too time consuming, nor should it create stress for pupils and their families. If parents have any concerns, they should not hesitate to contact the school. Normally, more than one day will be allowed for the completion of a homework task, except where daily practice is to be required and needs to be encouraged, i.e. reading, spelling and times tables.