HOMEWORK @HEATHFIELD
We are committed to our mission statement; Learning Together, Learning for Life. In this regard, we want to structure our home learning in a way that offers the children the opportunity to apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to become lifelong learners. The homework set enables children to apply their knowledge and skills across the curriculum.
The homework we set aims to:
- Develop a partnership between home and school; promoting discussion and creativity between parents/carer and child/ren
- Create opportunities for children to develop their Heathfieldf Heart (Excellence, Self-regulation, Teamwork, Communication, Reflective and Resilience)
- Consolidate and reinforce taught knowledge, skills and understanding
- Encourage the development of independent learning skills
- Extend school learning
HOMEWORK SCHEDULE
Every class from Nursery to Year 6 have a half termly ‘Homework schedule’.
On the ‘Homework Schedule’ there are a selection of activities the children can do that support their learning and that require different amounts of time and effort. Activities on the ‘homework schedule’ link to the Heathfield curriculum for that term. Tasks set are engaging, challenging and enjoyable and children are able to complete these independently at home.
Each task on the ‘homework schedule’ has a maximum number of raffle tickets available, this is to motivate children to complete their homework to the highest standard. Children can choose which activities they do and in what order. Each activity requires different skills and knowledge. The number of raffle tickets awarded depends upon the quality and presentation of the work; therefore the amount of raffle tickets given is based on teacher’s feedback.
Children are given a deadline to complete their homework and bring it into school-this is the Wednesday before each half term ends. During the final two days of the term, one raffle ticket will be drawn from each class and that child will be awarded a prize. The more raffle tickets children earn, the higher the chance of winning the award.
A copy of the homework schedule is on each year group class page on our school website along with the policy.
WEEKLY HOMEWORK
In addition to the homework schedule, children are expected to complete weekly homework tasks. These include;
- Times tables
- Home reading X4 weekly.
READING
Reception, Year 1 and some Year 2 children take home a decodable book based on the phonics phase they are currently working on. These books are given out to help children to improve their reading fluency and children may need to re-read these books to help with this.
In addition to this, all Rec – Year 2 children take home a library book. The library books are for adults and children to enjoy together, they are not for the child to read independently. This is to promote the enjoyment of reading.
YEAR 5 AND 6 HOMEWORK
To ensure children are prepared for High School, there is an increase in homework expectations.
Each week, Year 5 children will receive one piece of mathematics homework and one piece of homework related to English. Some weeks this will be related to reading, other weeks it will be related to spelling, punctuation or grammar (SPaG) work. Children in Year 6 can complete this work in their homework books or on sheets provided. The homework will be given out on a Monday and must be returned by Friday morning. Children are encouraged to return. There will be no consequence if children do not return the homework but it will be actively encouraged. This is to prepare children for Year 6 and beyond.
Each week Year 6 children will receive one piece of mathematics homework and one piece of homework related to English. Some weeks this will be related to reading, other weeks it will be related to spelling, punctuation or grammar (SPaG) work. Children in Year 6 can complete this work in their homework books or on sheets provided.
The homework will be given out on a Monday and must be returned by Friday morning. If homework is not returned and/or not completed in line with the child’s ability, they will be required to stay in at playtime and lunch time on the Friday which it is due to complete it. Whilst Year 6 homework is not as demanding as that set by High Schools, nor are sanctions for non-completion as severe, it should prepare children for High School expectations