We seek to be: A vibrant, excellent place of learning at the heart of our Christian community.

Transcription

1 Homework Policy

2 Our Vision (What we seek to be) We seek to be: A vibrant, excellent place of learning at the heart of our Christian community. Our Mission (What we seek to do) We are committed to providing the best possible education within a caring, inclusive and Christian community. We believe each child is unique. We are committed to making the spiritual, social and emotional well-being of each child central to our work. We seek to inspire children to enjoy their learning in a creative and exciting environment. We promote and celebrate academic excellence and personal achievement at every level. We seek to equip children with skills for healthy, successful and fulfilling lives. We work in partnership with parents and the wider community to promote excellent teaching and learning opportunities for the children. Our Values (that underpin our actions) Compassion Courage Wisdom Love Forgiveness Respect Fairness Honesty Responsibility The Three Rights (that we work hard to safeguard for everyone) Everyone in school has: The right to feel and to be SAFE The right to LEARN The right to RESPECT Introduction This statement is a statement of the aims and principles of homework at St Mary s C of E Primary School. It was written during the Summer 2012 through a process of consultation with teaching staff and as part of the School Development Plan. It was approved by the Governing Body in Summer

3 Rationale Homework is work that is completed at home to supplement the activities carried out in class. It is intended that the children complete the work, collaboratively with their parents where necessary. Educational research into homework has found that while homework can improve the attainment of pupils to a point, it is only partly responsible for good academic performance. The nature and quality of homework are as important as the amount of time spent completing it, if not more so. Homework that includes preparation or practice may be better than homework concerned only with curriculum content. (Prof Susan Hellam, Institute of Education, University of London, Homework: the evidence, ISBN , 2004) For homework to have an impact, it has to be an integral part of the lesson. It extends the learning and is treated as being as important as the lesson itself (Ofsted, 2012). In light of this research, it is clear that for homework to be effective, children need to be working independently, in a suitable environment on relevant tasks that are an extension of lessons. Aims of this policy To ensure consistent approach to homework throughout the school. To ensure that teachers, parents and children have a clear understanding regarding expectations for homework. To ensure that teachers, parents and children are fully aware of the role they play with regard to homework. Purpose of homework To consolidate, reinforce and extend skills and understanding particularly in Literacy and Numeracy. To provide opportunities for parents and children to work together, thus stimulating discussion and questioning. To allow parents to gain an understanding of what children are learning in school. To allow children to progress towards becoming more independent learners. Role of the school To provide parents with a clear policy regarding homework. To ensure this policy is fully and consistently followed. To provide support for parents with information about homework. To provide support for children if necessary. Role of the teacher To plan and set a programme of homework that is appropriate to the needs of the child. To ensure all children understand the homework they have been given. To mark and give feedback about homework, if necessary. To be available to talk to parents and children about homework. To inform parents if there is a problem regarding homework.

4 Role of the parent To encourage and support the child to complete homework and to guide the child to take responsibility for their tasks and to work increasingly more independently. To provide appropriate conditions for the child to complete the homework. This includes supporting the child in finding suitable time to complete homework as well as a suitable place to work. To provide appropriate resources for the child to complete homework. Role of the child To ensure they have everything they need to complete homework each week. To make sure they understand the tasks that have been set. To put in the same level of effort as would be expected of class work. To hand the homework in on time. To take on board any feedback about homework. Recommended time allocation and Key Stage expectations Class / Year group YR Year 1 Year 2 Class 3 Class 4 Reading Spelling Literacy Numeracy Project Occasional tasks 15 minutes each day, including reading to an adult at least once a week. Pupil / parent to fill in 20 minutes each day, including reading to an adult at least once a week. Pupil / parent to fill in One per term, One per term, One per term, One per term, One per term, It is expected that homework at Key Stage 2 should take about 30 minutes each night in total.

5 Implementation Numeracy, Literacy and project tasks will be set as an online activity. This will be done through the school s virtual learning environment, ItsLearning. Each pupil will have a unique username and password to access their account. Homework will be set by the class teacher. A time will be given when it is due in. This will be checked. A warning will be given and sanctions applied as necessary if homework is not completed. Homework will be marked as appropriate online. If necessary, feedback will be given to child and/or parent. A separate guidance document on supporting homework will be given to parents. This includes support with reading, spelling, phonics and maths skills. See Appendix A. Assessment A variety of methods will be used. These will include: observation of the children s work; discussions with pupils; teacher s planning for homework. Equal opportunities Due regard is paid to the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 at all times. No child will be penalised for lack of facilities or opportunities at home. St, Mary s will provide weekly lunchtime homework club in ICT suite run by our learning mentor. Where necessary, children will be provided with equipment from school to enable them to complete work. This includes use of computers to access ItsLearning. Health and Safety ItsLearning is a safe online environment for as long as the child stays within its interface. Internet safety lessons will be taught regularly to ensure children use internet with the necessary care. Parents can discuss E-safety concerns with Mrs Luitingh, the ICT Coordinator. Monitoring and evaluation The senior management team are responsible for the monitoring of homework. Subject managers are expected to be aware of the sort of homework being set for their subject. Homework will be a regular item on the Curriculum Committee of the Governing Body. Policy review The policy will be reviewed in the Summer 2015.