Homework
Homework
'Living and Learning'Learning is a lifelong activity and we all learn in different ways. Whatever our style of learning we all benefit from the chance to practice and develop what we have already learnt.
Christow School is committed to working for the best interests of its pupils and recognises that an effective partnership between the child, parents and the school is essential. Our Homework Policy aims to develop responsible and independent attitudes to learning and to strengthen the home, school relationship.
It is our intention that homework should be manageable to the child and teacher while giving parents the opportunity to share positively in their child's education.
In Hedgemoor we are reluctant to put a time allocation to homework. The most important work that a child in early years can do at home is talk! To talk with interested adults, extending and discussing ideas, thoughts and new experiences is crucial to the development of literacy skills.
In addition, it is hoped that parents will share books with their children at home. The books that children bring home in their book bag are from the appropriate stage of the Oxford Reading Scheme or self-choice from the school library. Children have a reading record in which to record the comments of both parent and teacher. Children in Hedgemoor will also bring home spellings to learn when they are judged ready for this challenge.
In Kennick Class the amounts of homework children receive will be appropriate for their year group. Y2 will be expected to spend one hour each week while in Y3/Y4 this will increase to one hour, 30 minutes.
For all children reading and sharing books at home is essential and at least 15 minutes each day should be spent on reading activities which should be recorded in the reading diary. Children are also given weekly spellings and multiplication tables to learn and practice at home, these will be tested in school.
Using non-fiction books and the Internet for research into class topics is also encouraged as a regular homework activity. For Y3 and Y4 additional literacy and numeracy homework will be set each week on a Wednesday to be returned the following Monday.
In Kennick Class, we are encouraging the development of children's organisational skills and independence as learners and homework plays an important part in this. Please support your child with their homework, discuss what they are doing, but don't do it for them!
The time allocation for Bowden is at least one and a half hours for Year 4 and at least a half an hour per day for Years 5 and 6.
Children are strongly encouraged to read at home, if possible once a day for at least 15 minutes. It is hoped that some of this reading time will be shared with parents, either reading aloud or discussing the books the children read. Spellings are taught in school. Children will practice at home skills they are developing in school and will regularly have words to learn pertaining to a particular spelling rule or pattern.
Tables are tested regularly and the children know the tables they are working on. It is important for their progress in Maths that they have rapid recall of multiplication facts up to 12 x by Y6.
In Bowden, children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own work and learning. Knowing what they have to do and what they need in order to do it is part of the homework policy and their overall training. Work will be set to develop, extend or complete a piece of class work.
We hope that the information provided here clarifies what can be expected and that homework will be completed with the support and discretion of parents.
You may at any time request individual advice concerning specific help for your child or the class teacher may ask you to provide additional support for your child in a specific area of the curriculum.
Children will record homework set in their homework book, please use this book for your own comments, particularly if you are unable to come into school to see the teacher. All homework will be evaluated by the class teacher but may not be marked in detail. The class teacher will discuss with individuals any problems or misconceptions that may arise.
It is anticipated that at certain times, due to seasonal activities, visits or staff absence homework may not be set. If in doubt, contact your child's teacher.
A copy of the Homework Policy is available to you from the office. Back to top