|
The following information has been taken from the Cage Green Homework Policy which is available from the School Office.
The Purpose of Homework
Cage Green Primary School believes that homework can be of value to children for the following reasons:
- To Encourage independent study
- To develop perseverance and self discipline
- To allow practice of skills learnt in class
- To make use of materials and resources not always available in class
- To involve parents in their child's learning
- To give opportunity for extended reading on a topic
- To develop skills, such as information gathering, analysing sources, evaluating eveidence and forming judgements
What does the Government say?
Recommended time allocation for homework:
- Year 1 & 2 - 1 hour per week
- Year 3 & 4 - 1 hour 30 minutes per week
- Year 5 & 6 - 30 minutes per day
"Daily reding can be done as part of homework. If the homework activity is something other than readin, children should be encouraged, in addition, to read - on their own or with others - for at least 20 minutes (less for infants)".
Homework: Guidelines for Primary Schools, DfEE
Common Questions About Homework
How long should Homework take?
In KS1 up to 30 minutes should be spent once a week on formal homework and then sharing and reading books. In years 3 and 4 formal homework should take no more than 30 minutes twice a week. In years 5 and 6 no more than 30 minutes a night.
How do I know what Homework they have?
In KS1 any instructions will be on the homework sheet or they may have words to learn in their spelling book. In KS2 the children have homework diaries which should be completed. KS2 also have spellings and tables to learn.
I think my child has too much Homework
This may be because the child is not completing the homework on the night it was set. Also, homework may become more intense leading up to selection tests and KS2 SATs. If you child continually has too much then please contact the teacher.
What if neither my child nor I understand the homework?
In this case the child can ask the teacher the following day or you can write a note in the homework diary. The child may be asked to make another attempt at it the following night.
How can I help with projects?
A list of Project Guidelines is available to give children and parents an idea of what should be included.
How much can I help my child?
The staff encourage parents to assist their children - but NOT to DO their homework. Explaining, helping with research or checking the work is fine.
My child doesn't seem to have any homework or enough homework
Check that your child is filling in his/her diary. It may be because of end of term events, outings or holidays when the teacher feels homework is not necessary.
Do they have work to finish at home?
Yes, if your child has not done enough work in class, he/she may be given work to finish off as well as homework.
My child won't do his/her Homwork!
Make a note in their diary to the teacher so it can be discussed at school. Try not to make it a big issue.
Homework Club:
We run a Homework Club (for all KS2 pupils) 3 times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm until 4.30pm. Children whose parents are unable to support them with their work or have no quiet or appropriate place to do their homework, are especially encouraged.
What Can Parents Do?
Sharing and Reading books with your child is one of the most important activities at home. This can start before they begin in Reception and can continue through School even when they are fluent readers. It does not have to be a school reading book, any reading materials - from comics to car magazines - all help to improve thie understanding of the written work.
More formal homework should not replace the need for daily reading.
Other activities which encourage the development of your child include:
- Playing board and card games
- Taking and discussing current events
- Learning to tell the time
- Practical activities in the home, such as cooking, can help your child with weight and measurement.
- Shopping: reading notices, prices and allowing your child to pay for things.
As the child becomes older, homework needs to be done in a quiet atmosphere to encourage the child to concentrate.
Please check their Homework diary and sign it each week. The diary can also be used to inform us of any problems concerning homework.
|
