THATTO HEATH COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Homework Policy

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May 2018

Introduction This is the school’s policy for the provision of homework to pupils. We recognise the vital role parents play in the education of their children and strongly believe in the value of the home-school partnership, of which our homework policy is an important element. Homework is defined as any work or activities which pupils are asked to undertake outside lesson time, either on their own or with parents/carers. At Thatto Heath Primary School, we see work done at home as a valuable part of school work. The School regards the purpose of homework as being to:      

Develop an effective partnership between the school and parents/carers in pursuing the aims of the school and development of their child, and encourage pupils and parents to share and enjoy learning experiences. Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding. To use homework as a tool to help continue to raise standards of attainment and enjoyment of learning. Extend school learning, for example through additional reading. Improve the quality of the learning experience for pupils and extend this beyond the classroom environment. Encourage pupils as they get older to develop the confidence and self discipline needed to study on their own and prepare them for the requirements at secondary school.

At Thatto Heath Primary School, however, it is recognised, that pupils who have had a busy structured day at school do need time to unwind at the end of the afternoon. At the same time, we are also mindful of the need to encourage pupils to pursue out of school activities, e.g. swimming, dance classes, music lessons and groups such as Brownies and Cubs. Homework should be used to effectively reinforce and/or extend what is learned in school. Children should feel a personal sense of satisfaction in a task completed well and that their efforts are both recognised and praised both at home and in school. Homework tasks should be undertaken to the best of their ability.

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We hope that parents and carers will be willing and able to give active support and ensure that work done at home is completed conscientiously and in the best possible conditions using appropriate equipment and to standards set in school.

The Role of The Class Teacher       

To provide an explanation of tasks to parents when necessary and to give guidance of how they might assist their child. To carefully monitor the return of homework. To set up a regular and easily followed routine. To ensure that homework is consistent across classes. To set homework that takes equal opportunities into account. To ensure any homework is purposeful and links directly with the taught curriculum. To mark homework and give feedback to pupils.

The role of Parents/Carers     

To support the school by ensuring that their child attempts homework. To provide a suitable place for their child to carry out the homework. To encourage and praise their child when homework is completed thereby providing a positive environment. To become actively involved in supporting children with homework activities. To make it clear that they value homework and that they support the school by explaining how it can help learning.

The Role of the Headteacher   

To meet and talk with parents as appropriate. To discuss and review the success of the policy. To inform new parents of the school of the policy so that they are aware of the home/school agreement.

The Role of the Governing Body

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To review the policy annually and check the compliance of the policy.

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Weekly Homework Tasks We have reviewed our Homework Policy over the Spring Term 2018 and have made considerable adaptions. Homework will now focus on the two key areas which as a school we are striving to improve, ‘Reading for Pleasure’ and Timestables/Numberbonds. Daily reading is proven to make the biggest impact on a child’s achievement across the curriculum. There is a wealth of research available such as the ‘Literacy Changes Lives’ report, which documents the relationship between literacy and life chances. Reading at home will be monitored closely and an annual Reading Pledge will be signed by pupils, school and parents/carers. Maths homework will focus on timestables at Year 2 to Year 6 and number bonds in Year 1.

Nursery and Pre-school Reading books are sent home on a weekly basis.

Reception   

Reading. All pupils will have a home reading book. They are expected to read at least three times each week and can earn tokens towards a class prize. Spellings/ phonic tasks. Number work task.

Year 1 to Year 6

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SAT preparation homework tasks maybe sent out to Years 2 and Year 6 in the Spring and Summer term.

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Additional homework cane be requested by parents/carers.

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Reading. All pupils will have a home reading book. They are expected to read at least three times each week and can earn tokens towards a class prize. Spelling. Pupils will learn a spelling list to be tested on a Friday. Timestables/number bond work which will be tested on a Friday.

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Optional project based homework 

Additional, homework tasks linked to topics being studied in class, curriculum areas such as RE or whole school themed weeks will be sent home each term. The children can showcase their efforts in assemblies and on our website. Prizes will be also be awarded.

An after school homework club is in place for pupils who are invited to attend. Also, a homework detention takes place at lunchtime once a week for those pupils who have not handed in their homework by the weekly deadline. During this approximately 15 minute detention, they will be supported in order to complete their homework task.

Special Educational Needs Setting the correct type/amount of homework for children with special educational needs will need careful consideration by the class teacher and co-ordinating between the SENCO and parents. Such home work should:     

Have a clear focus and time guideline. Have plenty of opportunity for pupils to succeed. Help develop social and other skills where necessary. Be varied. Be manageable for both teachers and pupils.

Home-Learning I.T. Resource Pupils from Years Reception to 6 are issued with a Purple Mash password which enables them to access a range of software at home. Year 5 pupils also have a Google Chrome account which provides them with access to their school drive at home, a virtual classroom with links and tasks and software to enable them to produce work outside of school.

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Big Questions are set on our website and the children’s responses discussed in assemblies.

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School Website

Monitoring and Review

Thatto Heath is firmly committed to promoting the principles of equality and diversity. We have reviewed this policy in the light of our Equality Policy, Audit and Action Plan. This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if considered necessary, by the Head, Governing Body and Senior Leadership Team.

Reviewed and adopted by the Governing Body: Committee …………………………………. Signed ………………………………………………

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Date ………………………………………………….