Homework

Rayne School believes that homework is an essential part of school life that allows children to practise and develop what they have learned at school and to allow parents to actively participate in their child's learning.

Homework should consolidate and reinforce skills, knowledge and understanding. It should encourage pupils to develop independence and confidence.

In summary, the homework structure is as follows:-

FOUNDATION  STAGE (NURSERY & RECEPTION)

There is no defined timetabling, but we do believe that parental involvement can be a major support for young children's learning. Involving children in routine activities at home can encourage discussions with parents which develop children's knowledge and understanding.

Nursery

  • Sharing library books.
  • Sharing books with no words and record in reading diary
  • Pattern sheets to practise - this will be linked to our Penpals writing scheme
  • Letters and Sounds
  • Reinforce, discuss and extend topic work

Reception

  • Daily reading of reading book with feedback recorded in reading diary
  • Talk to children about their school day
  • Reinforce, discuss and extend topic work
  • Share and read library books sent home

KEY STAGE 1 - YEARS 1 & 2 

Nightly reading of reading book and sharing of library books, plus encouraging the children to research ideas linked to their current school topics.

  • Daily reading of reading book with feedback recorded in reading diary
  • Encouraging children to research ideas linked to their topic
  • Sharing library books
  • Reinforce work on topic web to real life situations e.g. looking for weights on food boxes

KEY STAGE 2 - YEARS 3, 4, 5, & 6

In Key Stage 2 all teachers following similar systems, but adapt these to suit the age and ability range of their class. At the beginning of each term, all teachers provide children with a topic grid which includes up to 30 different activities. Children are able to choose an activity that best suits their learning style or preference e.g. a music task or creative arts task. Children have up to three weeks to complete these topic project thus developing time management and organisational skills. In addition to these ongoing topic activities, children have Literacy and Numeracy homework.

Lower Key Stage 2

  • Daily reading (recorded in reading journal)
  • Weekly spelling investigation
  • Simple response to reading (pictures, book reviews)
  • Mathletics and or additional maths tasks (at discretion of the class teacher)

Upper Key Stage 2

  • Daily reading (recorded in reading journal)
  • Weekly spelling investigation
  • Weekly written response to reading ( book reviews, writing letters to characters, text analysis or related creative writing response)
  • Mathlectics and a short maths task (worksheet, game or investigation

Staff will ensure that homework is an integral part of the curriculum and is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning.

Expectations

Naturally, homework is an extension of the work that has been completed during the week. If, at any time, a pupil finds some ot the homework difficult, they should seek advice and support from their class teacher.

Homework does not just mean exercises carried out by children without help from their parents. On the contrary, particulary in the case of young children, it is the involvement of parents/carers in joint activities, which fosters the most valuable learning.

Should you wish any support with the methodology and strategies that we use please do not hesitate to come and ask us. We are only too pleased to give you our continued help and support.