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Homework is an opportunity to prepare for, consolidate and extend the learning which takes place in the classroom. Through homework we aim to:
- encourage children to take an interest in and responsibility for their own learning and to become independent learners;
- encourage an enthusiasm for research and investigation;
- extend and support learning through reinforcement and revision;
- provide additional opportunities for children to practice and enjoy reading, spelling and times tables;
- raise standards of attainment, particularly in English and maths;
- provide opportunities for parents, children and the school to work in partnership and involve parents in their children’s learning;
- prepare year 6 children for secondary transfer.
The quantity and level of homework will vary according to the age of the class. Homework is set regularly throughout the year with the exception of the first and last week or two of each term. As part of children’s homework, we expect that children will all share a book/read at home to an adult or on their own at least 4 times a week for 10 – 20 minutes. Class teachers will monitor children’s reading at home through reading records, put in place age appropriate systems to encourage children to make sure that they read at home regularly (e.g. stay in at playtime to catch up on missed reading) and talk to parents if necessary.
Research confirms that where parents are positively involved in their children’s learning, self-esteem and confidence grows and greater progress is made. With this in mind, at Robert Blair Primary School we seek to develop a partnership with parents/carers in supporting their children’s learning. We need to make every effort to ensure that homework does not become an unnecessary burden on either children or their parents/carers.
We will:
- aim to set homework regularly and consistently according to school policy;
- match homework to the ability of the child;
- ensure that it should take no more than 10 – 30 minutes (depending on the age/ability of the child);
- make every effort to ensure that it is clear what is required to be done with any work sent home;
- maintain a regular dialogue with parents about homework through reading records, informal chats in the playground, parents’ evenings etc;
- be understanding about issues at home and the difficulties homework may present in some family situations and provide support for children and families in getting homework done.
We hope that parents/carers will:
- make it clear to their children that they value homework and its place in developing children as learners;
- provide, where possible, a reasonably peaceful time and place for their children to do their homework with the support/encouragement of an adult;
- enrol their children in the school homework club if they are unable to provide the space and/or support at home;
- encourage their children to do their homework and return it to school on time;
- praise their children when they have completed homework;
- maintain a regular dialogue with teachers about homework through reading records, informal chats in the playground, attendance at parents’ evenings etc;
- ask teachers for help if their child is having difficulties with homework set.
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