Homework

Our children work very hard during the school day.  The combination of small classes and specialist teaching ensures that they are making progress without the need for extensive homework.  We believe that young children benefit from time to relax at home and to engage in sporting and social activities outside school.

 

In the early years help from home in the following areas is of great benefit:- 

 

Reading:

All children benefit from experiencing a quiet reading and story discussion time with an adult every night.  This establishes reading as an enjoyable and valued activity.  Initially, the adult will be reading but as the child's reading ability progresses the balance will alter with the child reading more and more.

 

Once the child is established on a reading scheme, we aim to listen to a whole book each day.  This is then taken home so that the child can re-read the book to the adult.

 

By sharing the responsibility for the child's reading in this way, we have found that confidence and fluency in reading is quickly established.

 

Older children should read for at least half an hour each day - a much more valuable activity than watching television!

 

Maths:

Number and logic games are extremely valuable homework activities.  Indeed, for younger children they are more important than formal homework.  To play games requires discussion between parent and child and it is this use of language which aids the development of mathematical concepts.  At a young age, it is this concept development, not written skills, which is paramount.  Lotto, playing cards, snakes and ladders, dice games and draughts are some examples although you are sure to have more at home.

 

Children will be expected to begin learning their multiplication tables in year 2.

 

Formal Homework:    

Children are given more formal homework on a regular basis from years 3 and 4.  Initially the children are set one English and one maths homework per week in addition to reading.  We aim to make this homework achievable without a great deal of parental involvement in order to develop positive attitudes towards independent study.  

 

Homework is gradually increased through years 5 and 6 as examination requirements dictate.

 

Details of the homework timetable can be found in the 'Parents and Pupils' section under Homework.