Homework Policy
Date Reviewed September 2022
Next Review: This is a live policy and the Headteacher is responsible for maintaining its accuracy. Any required amendments should be sent direct to the document owner.
At The Royal School our vision is to light up the world through being - Big thinkers – Resourceful - Independent and Resilient - Generous of spirit - Honest and - Team players
At The Royal School we see the aims of homework to be:
- To develop a habit of reviewing learning independently on a daily basis
- To support the parent-school relationship and help parents become part of the learning team
- To ensure children are given opportunity to embed learning and to support children with a level of independence matched to their age group
- To follow interests in greater depth
- To consolidate and practice skills learnt at school
Introduction
Homework is anything that children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning in response to guidance from the school. Homework encompasses a whole variety of activities instigated by teachers and parents/carers to support children’s learning.
We recognise that the time and resources available limit the educational experience that any school by itself can provide; children benefit greatly therefore from the mutual support of parents/carers and teachers in encouraging them to learn both at home and at school. Indeed we see homework as an important way of establishing a successful dialogue between teachers and parents/carers. One of the aims of our school is for children to develop a habit of being independent learners. We believe that homework is one of the ways in which children can acquire the skill and habit of independent learning. As children move through the school homework will become less parent supported and directed. The majority of homework in KS2 should be undertaken independently by the child.
Homework plays a positive role in building an independent study habit that will be useful in later life. We 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 wide range of out-of-school clubs and organisations that play an important part in the lives of many children. We are well aware that children spend more time at home than at school, and we believe they develop their skills, interests and talents to the full only when parents/carers encourage them to make maximum use of the experiences and opportunities that are available outside of school.
Class Homework
Every child is issued with an age appropriate reading record book or homework diary. This book should go home every day and back to school the next morning.
Reception
Children in Wrens class should read with an adult at home for 10-15 minutes daily. Children are issued with a reading record book and we encourage parents to sign the book daily. Children also receive the sounds of the week and a list of tricky words to review each day.
Year 1
Children in Robins class should read with an adult for 15 minutes per day. Children should also spend 15 minutes daily on spelling, handwriting or online maths. Children are issued with a reading record book and we encourage parents to sign the book daily.
Year 2
Children in Puffins class, should read for at least 15 minutes per day. Once a child has reached lime in the reading scheme they are encouraged to read silently and then choose a section to read aloud or discuss with an adult. Children are issued with a reading record book and we encourage parents to sign the book daily. In addition to reading children should spend 15 minutes on spellings, handwriting, online maths or learning times tables each day.
Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4)
In Owls class and Swans class, children are expected to complete 40-50 minutes of homework each day. Children reading above lime in the reading scheme may sign their own reading record and should now be reading silently and independently. We ask that parents sign their child’s reading record or homework diary weekly. Teachers look at the reading record or homework diary daily and sign each book once a week.
Pupils with Special Educational Needs
When we set homework, we ensure that all tasks are appropriate to the ability of the child. If a child has special needs, we endeavor to adapt any task set so that all children can contribute in a positive way. When setting homework to children who are named on our list of those with special needs, we may refer to Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
The Role of Parents/Carers
Parents/carers have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. We ask parents to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set. We invite them to help their children as they feel necessary and provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents/carers can support their child by providing a good working space at home, by enabling their child to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing. If parents/carers have any problems or questions about homework, they should, in the first instance, contact the child’s class teacher. We encourage children to come back to the class teacher with questions if they are unclear about their homework.
Monitoring and Review
It is the responsibility of the Headteacher to agree and monitor the school homework policy. Our Governing Body may, at any time, request from our Headteacher feedback on the way homework is organised in our school.