Homework Policy

Mission Statement

Westleigh St. Paul’s CE Primary School is committed to the provision of a high quality education for all its pupils, designed to ensure that they can realise their individual potential within a Christian framework.

Introduction

Homework is anything children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning and can encompass a whole variety of activities set by the teachers. This policy sets out what Parents/Carers can expect in terms of homework and the important role they play in supporting children with homework.

Rationale for Homework

Homework is a very important part of a child’s education, and can add much to a child’s development. One of the aims of our teaching is for children to develop as independent learners, and we believe that doing homework is a good way in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.

Homework plays a positive role in raising a child’s level of attainment. However, we also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child’s growth and development. While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the activities of various out-of-school clubs and of other organisations that play an important part in the lives of our pupils. In support of this, we aim to provide homework which is adequate in reinforcing learning without being excessive.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of homework are:

• to enable pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development;
• to help pupils develop the skills of an independent learner
• to promote cooperation between home and school in supporting each child’s learning
• to consolidate and reinforce the learning done in school, and to allow children to practice skills taught in lessons
• to help children develop good work habits for the future.

Homework at Westleigh St. Paul’s

In both Key Stages, reading is vital. Parents are encouraged to read with their child each evening, if possible, and sign their child’s diary every time they read. To help your children’s progress in reading, it is necessary to read with them a minimum of twice per week. Reading books will be changed as shown below.

In Reception, the class teacher will send home homework and activities based on basic skills. This will vary from week to week, and may include some written work as well as practical activities.

Homework in both Key Stages will consist of one piece of English and one piece of Maths. This may be paper based, an online activity or practical task. This will be linked to what has been taught in class. All classes will have some form of Spellings/Phonic work to practise each week.

If homework is not completed, sanctions may be imposed by the class teacher as they deem appropriate.

Homework sent out and returned as follows:

Inclusion and Homework

We set homework for all children as a normal part of school life. We ensure that all tasks set are appropriate to the ability of the child, and we endeavour to adapt any task set so that all children can contribute in a positive way.

The Role of Parents and Carers

Parents and Carers have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. We ask Parents and Carers to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set. We invite them to help their children as and when they feel it to be necessary and to provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents and Carers can support their child by providing a good working space at home and by discussing the work that their child is doing.  If Parents and Carers have any questions about homework, they should, in the first instance, contact the child’s class teacher, who will be able to advise and help them.