Homework

Homework refers to the tasks given to pupils by their teachers to be completed outside of usual lessons. Common homework activities in primary schools tend to be reading or practising spelling and number facts, but may also include more extended activities to develop inquiry skills or more directed focused work such as revision for tests (Education Endowment Foundation, 2018)

The findings of the Education Endowment Foundation can be read here:

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit

Why Do We Set Homework?

• Schools that set homework are generally more successful than schools that do not set homework
• Effective homework is linked to greater parental support and involvement.
• Homework provides time for retrieval practise. It is a great opportunity for pupils to go back over things that they have already been taught.

Reading

We expect all pupils to read at home every day for at least the duration of time shown below:

• Reception pupils: 10 minutes
• KS1 pupils: 15 minutes
• KS2 pupils: 20 minutes

All KS1 pupils are expected to log their reading in their reading diaries. KS2 pupils keep track of the books they have read from our reading scheme in their homework books.

Tasks Set

Research tells us that the quality of a task set is more important than the quantity of work set and that short focused tasks or activities which relate to directly what is being taught are more effective than regular daily homework. Therefore, each week, children will be set a task for English (which may include reading comprehension), Maths, and another curriculum area, as well as times tables and spelling. The purpose of the homework should always be clear to the children. The tasks should focus on current or previous learning.

Children should complete their homework-not parents. If they are unable to complete the work they should speak to their class teacher. They may also like to take advantage of the homework Club which takes place on a Monday after school. Children should spend the following amount of time on their homework in addition to reading:

EYFS

In Reception, children will be set a task for phonics, maths and topic. We appreciate that children may need adult support to help them complete their homework.

Timings

• EYFS: approximately 20 minutes.
• KS1: approximately 45 minutes.
• KS2: approximately 1 hour.

Homework will be set on a Thursday and will be collected on the following Tuesday. Research tells us that parents have a positive effect on homework completion and help children to develop effective learning habits. Therefore, all homework will be sent to parents via Arbor in addition to going out in pupils’ books. Some homework may be set through online learning platforms such as Purple Mash and Google Classrooms.

Over half term, only reading, times tables and spelling is set: no homework is set over Christmas, Easter or summer as we would like pupils to have a rest and fully enjoy the holidays with their families.