‘Homework’ refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside lesson time. (Rt Hon David Blunkett MP)

Homework supports the development of independent learning skills and is a valuable tool in equipping children with the discipline and understanding which will be needed throughout their working lives. Parental support and involvement is vital to extending high quality learning beyond the limits of the school day, so it is important that the school works in partnership with the children and their parents to ensure a well organised homework programme is implemented.

• To raise standards in all subjects, with particular emphasis on numeracy and literacy.
• To encourage pupils to develop the confidence and self discipline needed for independent life long learning.
• To encourage parents to become active partners in their child’s education.
• To consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding, particularly in numeracy and literacy.
• To give pupils plenty of opportunity to succeed.

For homework to have it’s full benefit it is important that there is consistency of delivery throughout the school, whilst recognising the changing purpose of homework as children get older. At Parochial the time allocation for homework is:

Years 3 and 4 - At least 2 hours per week.

Years 5 and 6 - At least 2 ½ hours per week.

This will include the following activities:

• spellings and times tables or number bonds, tested weekly
• a maths task
• an English task
• reading (year 3 and 4 children should read daily to an adult as well as share books with others and listen to adults read. Year 5 and 6 children should read daily although it is not always necessary at this stage for the child to read to an adult.)

For year three children the formal written work will be phased in over the first half term, to give these children a chance to adapt to their new environment and to develop their independent learning skills. There will be a relaxation of formal written homework through out the months of June and July to enable children to enjoy the summer weather. In the upper school more emphasis will be placed on children self correcting, editing and marking their own work.

Throughout the school a red homework diary will be used for communication between home and school. It should go home daily and may contain:

• a homework timetable
• spellings
• tables or number bonds
• instructions for formal written tasks
• test results

Parents are invited to sign this book to show that their child has attempted the homework set, and to communicate with the class teacher on any aspect of the homework given. The school’s expectations will be made clear to the children and the parents through:

• This homework policy
• A homework leaflet
• A letter sent to parents in September from the class teacher, setting out a homework timetable.
• Homework diaries which will act as a form of communication between home and school.

Where possible differentiation will be by outcome. However if this is not practicable, differentiated levels for an activity will be given as appropriate.

If homework is to be of benefit to children it must have the full support of parents. These are some ways in which parents can show this support:

• Provide a peaceful place for pupils to do their work.
• Make it clear to pupils that they value homework
• Help their child when necessary or contact the school if they are unable to help their child.
• Encourage pupils and praise them when they have completed homework.
• Sign their homework diary.

The implementation of this policy for homework will be monitored and reviewed yearly by the deputy head teacher. The school will record the completion of homework tasks and will report back to parents at termly meetings. All children who complete homework on time for the whole half term will be rewarded with a certificate.

Resources for homework, particularly in literacy and numeracy will be updated and added to yearly. Example of homework will be kept in a homework file by the deputy head teacher. At least 2 staff meetings a year will be dedicated to producing homework materials.