At Town Lane infant School we believe that homework is
an essential part of children’s education. It gives
them the opportunity to extend and consolidate work experienced
during lesson times. It also develops skills in personal
organisation and a sense of responsibility.
What do we mean by homework?
We define ‘homework’ widely to mean any work
or activities which students are asked to do outside lesson
time without the guidance of teachers. It is usually done
with the support of parents or carers and is an opportunity
for adults , other than teachers to become active partners
in supporting learning.
Homework should be enjoyable for the child as well as reinforcing
what is taught in the classroom. Homework need not be written
work. The curriculum Newsletter will give opportunities
for stimulating the imagination and further creativity.
Why is homework important?
There is no legal requirement for schools to provide a
set amount of homework for school children but we feel it
is a vital means of helping to raise pupil achievement and
every child sees that the school and home are working together
in partnership to provide support and encouragement.
Homework provides a means for pupils:
- To consolidate and reinforce what is learnt in the classroom
- To become independent and curious learners
- To develop skills in personal organisation and a sense
of responsibility
- To prepare for the next stage of education
- To share school activities at home
- How can we support teaching and learning through homework?
Class teachers have the following responsibilities
relating to homework:
- To ensure homework is specific and differentiated
- Meets the appropriate level of ability that the pupil
is working at
- Is supported by parents and carers
- To regularly review homework to ensure suitability
Homework for holidays Taken During Term Time
- Children will be expected to complete a daily holiday
diary
- They will take an additional library book
- Due to the organisation and use of the reading book
sets it is not possible to take additional books from
this source
The curriculum Newsletter
contains more detail of work carried out half-termly and
are an excellent resource for parents who wish to support
children further.
Prompt Sheets
A Maths and English prompt sheet will be sent home to all children
early in the autumn term from Reception to Y2. Activities
described on these sheets will aid pupil’s development
further.
Additional Support
Children identified as having additional needs will have
activities set by the class teacher in consultation with
the parents.
Monitoring and evaluating
Teachers will ensure that homework is marked as and when
it is necessary and use this, where appropriate, to inform
future planning.
School may feel it appropriate from time to time to meet
with parents who are having difficulties supporting children’s
homework, to ensure children are not disadvantaged in any
way. It may be appropriate for this meeting to take place
with the Special Needs Coordinator or Headteacher.
Homework Timetable
We do expect that children will spend very short periods
of time reinforcing learning in school for example no longer
than fifteen minutes any evening. Regular short enjoyable
sessions will be most beneficial.
This homework timetable is intended to be progressive,
manageable and build upon learning in school to begin a
desire for lifelong learning. We see the amounts as age
appropriate and take into consideration the shorter concentration
span of the younger child.
It is vital that the early stages of learning are successful
and a positive experience leading to a lifelong love of
learning.
We also take into consideration the fact that many parents
have more than one child to support with homework and the
extra curricular activities that many children take part
in.
Access and Entitlement
Children have equal access to homework irrespective of
their gender, age, ethnic background or disability.
Differentiation
Differentiation will exist for children depending on their
own ability and this will be implemented at the teacher’s
discretion. For children with special needs homework will
be linked to their IEP (Individual Education Plan).
Resources
- Reading Cards for Teacher/child/ parent comments
- Spelling Books containing detailed instructions for
parents
- Library Books
- Reading Books
- Prompt Sheets
- Curriculum Newsletters
- Websites found in Kids Zone
<<Top
