Homework
It has been shown that regular, structured homework, where children work independently has a long-term educational benefit; it is important to encourage this regular approach to homework whatever your child’s age. Children have many years of self-study ahead; encouraging good study habits when children are very young will pay dividends in the long term. Most homework will take the form of ‘reinforcement’. Sometimes children will return to previous tasks to maintain the ‘review process'. We recognise that younger children can be tired at the end of a busy school day: any difficulties in completing homework should be discussed with the class teacher.
Each child is issued with a Journal de Classe which shows the homework set. Parents are asked both to sign the Journal daily - to show that the task has been completed - and to ensure that the child returns it to school the next day. This is a convenient form of communication between parents and teacher.
The Nature of Homework
All children from Year 1 will have homework daily: on Wednesdays this will be at the discretion of the class teacher. Homework may be set also for school holidays at KS2. Marking homework forms an integral part of our assessment which we aim to return to the pupil as soon as possible. The tasks selected as homework by the class teacher are commensurate with the ability of the pupils.
- Homework in Reception Class usually takes the form of reading, learning simple CVC words.
- This continues in Year 1 with spelling lists, comprehension and the introduction of number exercises and learning number bonds.
- Year 2 homework takes the form of reading /comprehension; handwriting; spelling; simple numeracy exercises and learning times tables to x10. A little and often is the key, and the homework should last for around 25 - 30 minutes.
- Years 3 & 4 will be expected to complete approximately 40 minutes of set work as above with x tables to 12 and French.
- Years 5 & 6 will have up to 1 hour daily. This may take the form of research, reading, spelling, revision of times
tables, together with numeracy and literacy tasks. Some children prefer to complete homework in school during Garderie time and this is encouraged.
When homework involves research children should use the time to look in books, magazines, newspapers, and encyclopaedias. Maybe they will need to ask questions of family members; or research on the Internet if you have a computer at home – parental guidance should always be given when accessing the internet. Occasionally pupils will be expected to complete tasks started in school or to do a mini-project – this should always be their own work although interest and guidance is vital. Homework missed due to absence on the set date does not normally have to be completed but pupils should make the effort to catch up any classwork missed.
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