Homework

At Nailsworth C of E Primary School, homework is considered an important part of a child’s development and education. Homework plays a positive role in raising a child’s level of attainment and is an integral part of the curriculum – it is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning.

One of the aims of our teaching is for children to develop as independent, successful learners. We believe that doing homework is one of the ways in which children can begin to really participate in their own journey of learning. This is most successful when it’s supported by adults at home.

In the Foundation Stage (Reception) and at Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) we give children books to take home and read with their parents. We give guidance to parents on achieving the maximum benefit from this time spent reading with their child. We also ask Key Stage 1 children to learn spellings or mathematical tables as part of their homework. When we ask children to study a topic, or to research a particular subject, we encourage children to use not only school books but also the local library, as well as the internet.

At Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) we continue to give children homework activities similar to those outlined above and we expect children to consolidate and reinforce the learning done in school through practice at home. We also set homework as a means of helping the children to revise for examinations, as well as to ensure that prior learning has been understood, specifically in Year 6.

Homework is marked and/or given feedback in a variety of age appropriate ways. Homework completed well is acknowledged and praised – each class has their own rewards system. There may be issues arising from the work, which the teacher will follow up in lesson time.

Class specific homework is detail on class pages.

If parents have any questions about homework, they should, in the first instance, contact the child’s class teacher. For further information about school policy on homework, please refer to our homework policy.

How to Help at Home

We ask parents to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set. We invite them to help their children as and when they feel it to be necessary, to provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents can support their child by providing a good working space at home, by enabling their child to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing.

Tips to help make homework easier:

Do find a quiet, comfortable place at home to use as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source, have a comfortable temperature and the right equipment e.g. pens, pencils, ruler, scissors, glue
Do be aware of the school teaching methods, e.g. in long division – look out for the regular parent information sessions run in school, plus our Mathematics and English web pages offer information on the methods we use in school and the key skills children are learning in each class
Don’t teach your child methods you used at school as this can be confusing for them
Do allow your child to have something nutritional to eat and drink before starting on homework
Do discuss any homework tasks with your child and how it connects with what they are studying in class
Do turn off the TV and move distractions away – but you could have music on if they find it helpful
Don’t give your child the answer in order to get a task finished. Instead, explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary
Don’t ask your child to do homework when they are tired – choose a time when they can focus and not be rushed
Don’t let homework become a chore. Keep it fun and make it a special time that you both look forward to.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy books:

Encourage your child to pretend to ‘read’ a book before he or she can read words.
Visit the library as often as possible – take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.
Schedule a regular time for reading – perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.
Buy dual-language books if English isn’t your family’s first language – you can talk about books and stories, and develop a love for them, in any language.
Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in – maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport.
Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.

For more ideas on how to help your child at home with spelling and reading, including access to practice SATs papers, please visit our English page by clicking here.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy maths:

Point out the different shapes to be found around your home
Take your child shopping and talk about the quantities of anything you buy
Let your child handle money and work out how much things cost and the change needed
Look together for numbers on street signs and car registration plates
Play word games when driving – see how many words you can find to describe a tree or a house that you pass