What is Homework? | Bellfield Junior School

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Homework

Our Homework Policy can be found here:

What is homework?

Homework is defined as any work or activities that the child is asked to do outside of lesson time, either on their own or with the support of parents and carers/ family members.

What are the purposes of homework?

It is agreed school policy for the children to have homework for the following purposes:-

To reinforce and develop skills and understanding, especially in English and maths.
To encourage the children to develop the skills and confidence needed for independent study, linked to the learning of topics that week that are being taught in school. Homework can also be of an independent research, learning type. Children should self-regulate, take ownership of their own learning, reflecting and identifying their own next steps to take their learning forward.
To exploit the resources for learning at home. To develop an effective partnership between home and school. Completing work independently is a key skill children will need in the future.

What is the main focus of homework?

At Bellfield Junior School the main focus of homework will be to support key English/ maths skills and learning independently. Homework will be set on a weekly basis (but this can also be project work lasting longer than one week), usually by the class teacher or teacher working with a specific group of children.
They will be expected to complete this in addition to learning their spellings, times tables and reading their home reader for a minimum of four times a week – these are basic skills that children need to practice in order to make their learning successful.

How long should homework take?

In Years 3 and 4, English and maths homework will be sent home each week and this should take no longer than 30 minutes per week to complete.
In Years 5 and 6, this will be extended to up to 60 minutes each week (English and maths homework) and may include additional research/work to support other curriculum areas. This also helps prepare the children for the pressures of homework in secondary school.
Where a larger project (maybe work lasting over 2-5 weeks) is given, children will be expected to complete 30 minutes each week in order to complete the homework.
There will be opportunities through the year for online homework learning, such as MyMaths, AR Reading quizzes, TT Rockstars as examples – available through the website links.
Children can do extra towards their homework if they choose to.
There is an expectation that ALL children complete homework, as it is part of their learning. The school has support mechanisms in place if requested by the children and/or parents.

Staff make it clear to children that if they need help with their homework, then they should ask their teacher/ TA for support – staff are always willing to help children who want help with their work – the expectation is that children speak to their teacher/ TA before the homework is due in

What is the role of families?

It is acceptable for parents, carers and family members to support their children with their homework (encouraging the children to complete their homework, but not to do the homework for them) and it is hoped that all parents, carers and family members will support the school in the implementation of the homework policy by:

Providing a suitable place in which the child can do their homework.
Making it clear to the child that they value homework. For example by providing the resources they need (including stationery) etc.
Encouraging the child and praising them when they have completed their homework.
Discussing any issues regarding homework with the relevant teacher (or the SENCo for SEND children) so the school and family can work together to support children achieving the best outcomes.

All children are expected to complete homework on time - support is always available from staff if children ask for this.