homework policy

Homework helps children to understand that learning is part of life and occurs inside and outside the classroom.

A. INTRODUCTION

This policy outlines the teaching; organisation and management of homework at Arnold Junior School. This policy has been drawn up as a result of staff consultation. The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all the teaching staff.

AIMS

It is generally accepted that homework can make an important and positive contribution to a pupil’s progress at school:

• It allows further practice and consolidation of work done in class.
• It provides parents with information about the work being done in class and involves them directly in the children’s learning.
• It helps children to understand that learning is part of life and occurs inside and outside the classroom.
• It trains pupils in planning and organising their work, developing self discipline and good habits that will support them in future education and beyond.
• It gives pupils opportunities to accept some responsibility for their own learning.
• By the end of Key Stage 2 it will have prepared children for the more formal format of homework at secondary school.
• To ensure that homework given is appropriate to the needs of individual pupils including our less and more able children.

B. Content

At Key Stage One homework content will include daily reading and weekly spelling lists in preparation for a weekly test. In Year 2 pupils learn multiplication facts in preparation for a weekly test.

At Key Stage Two homework content will include daily reading with entries into Reading Record Books, literacy work, spelling, maths (including multiplication tables), science and occasional topic based investigations.

Recommended Times
Years 1 and 2 15 to 20 minutes per night
Year 3 20 minutes + 10-15 minutes reading
Year 4 20 minutes + 10-15 minutes reading
Year 5 25 minutes + 15-20 minutes reading
Year 6 30 minutes + 15-20 minutes reading

C. Organisation

At Key Stage One pupils’ homework is monitored by the Form Teacher. Parents are encouraged to sign the Reading Record to indicate that the reading task has been completed. This Record also acts as a home/school link.

At Key Stage Two children are given homework daily and write their homework into homework diaries. Parents or carers are expected to acknowledge homework is completed and that they are happy with it by signing the child’s diary. Comments on the children’s homework or on any other matter can also be made in the diary which is a valuable link and means of communication between parent and teacher. Staff will show that the work done at home is valued by marking as appropriate. Time, whenever possible, should be found to check homework and offer support and praise during class time.

Teacher’s Responsibilities
• Give homework instructions clearly to pupils, making it clear when the work is due to be handed in.
• For Key Stage 2 classes, ensure that the homework diary is filled in.
• Acknowledge homework, feedback and mark homework as appropriate.

Information and Communication Technology
Pupils may use the computer for written work from time to time if the teacher has indicated that it is appropriate. The internet or CD roms may also be used for research purposes.

D. MANAGEMENT OF HOMEWORK

Role of the Heads of Sections
• To liaise with colleagues to ensure that the homework policy is understood and implemented.
• To liaise with parents and the Headmaster when issues are raised over the amount or frequency of homework.

Role of the Headteacher
• Monitor and evaluate homework. e.g. sampling homework diaries and assignments
• Feedback to teachers on the quality of homework
• Assess the effectiveness of homework in contributing to the progress of pupils.

end

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