Homework
Parents have told us that the most important aspect of homework is that it helps them be involved
in their child’s education by providing an insight into what their children are learning about in
school. We aim to keep this important link strong throughout children’s time with us.
Our aim is to help children enjoy learning and develop the resilience, determination and curiosity that we believe will pave the way for a successful future. The learning that children do at home should reflect these aspirations. Above all else, activities set for home should be clear in purpose to children and parents. To give homework context and focus, it should serve one of the following purposes:
- Consolidate recent learning
- Prepare for new learning
- Extend and enrich learning
- Revise, practice and memorise learning
- Apply learning to new problems
- Investigate own interests.
In order to achieve this we carefully plan what children are asked to do at home. There is a general expectation that children spend more time learning at home as they progress through the school. As children approach the end of Key Stage 2 in particular it is important they are well prepared for what is expected from them in KS3. We achieve this though setting ‘core expectations’ for each phase. We ensure that parents remain fully involved in their child’s learning through weekly class newsletters in foundation stage and KS1; and through children completing weekly learning logs in Key Stage 2. Alongside core expectations, children have regular opportunities for optional tasks and self-chosen activities. We find that children get more enjoyment and produce higher quality work when they and their parents given a bit of choice about exactly what and when they learn. Children are more motivated and apply greater effort in longer term more in depth tasks.