Results of Homework Consultation
Many thanks indeed to all who took part in our recent homework consultation. Views were many and varied and it is clear that people hold strong and valid views both for and against homework. Rather than trying to please everybody, and ending up pleasing nobody, we have looked for common themes running through the different responses and decided on a strategy for homework which will help children make good progress and help parents to help their children. We want homework to be a useful contribution to your child’s learning, not a source of anxiety.
A new homework policy is being written and will be agreed by governors prior to publication. In the meantime, the main points are expected to be as follows:
-Homework will be set weekly by each class teacher and may consist of reading, phonics, handwriting, number work (including times tables) or any other basic skills that are needed for use in class.
-Teachers will decide what sort of tasks will be suitable, but the time required should be adaptable to allow for family circumstances. We will stop using the online homework.
-Children will receive feedback about homework – this will be written or verbal as appropriate.
-Teachers will share their plans for each half term with parents so that the context of learning can be seen.
-It is expected that unless there is a good reason, children will attempt homework every week.There are no rewards or penalties for completing / not completing homework, other than rewards for good work in the same way that good work is rewarded in class.
-After half term, “choice” homework will be introduced. This will be a selection of age-appropriate tasks for children to choose from, related to each class’s curriculum, that will give children the chance to carry out more involved pieces of homework over a longer period of time and take some control over their own learning.
-“Working Together” events will be held during the year to help parents find out how they can support their children with their learning.
-Extra homework will be provided in preparation for SATs tests in Y2 and Y6.
Comments from Parents
What type of homework benefits your child’s learning? What do you think should be set?
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Times tables
reading
spelling
phonics
maths / number
English
Handwriting / letter formation
Refreshing work that child has had difficulty with in class
Work relating to current topic / topic research
Science
Story writing
Work which reinforces learning in school
Drilling and rote learning of spelling and times tables.
Getting used to learning outside the classroom
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What support do parents need?
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How we teach calculations / any changes to the way we teach things.
How we teach handwriting
Regular in-school sessions to explain how we do things
More / clearer explanations about how to complete homework
Make sure it is clear when homework is set and when it is due in by
Know which times tables children are on
More notice about when tests are
Return of marked work and feedback on progress to parents and children
More information about wider context of learning and what is coming up next – this would help children extend themselves if desired. Clear information provided about what children will be learning and how this will be taught.
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How often should homework be set?
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Prefer ongoing tasks to complete as and when.
Once a week for each subject plus regular reading books and times table work.
Disagree with homework in general.
Reading a few times a week.
Variable depending on age / ability.
2/3 nights per week – but each child is different.
As needed / when relevant.
Weekly and during holidays.
On a Monday to be handed in on Friday to leave weekends free.
0.5 / 1 hour maths and English per week.
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Further comments from parents
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Child too tired to work on an evening.
Homework is too hard for the age group and learning has not always been covered in class.
Children learn lots of things at home at this age and prefer them to come home and relax.
Work should be suitable for the level the child is at.
Homework is sometimes too much or not enough.
Sometimes homework is too much so that reading has to be left out due to time.
Finding out more / own research in own time would be useful as well as set numeracy & literacy
Difficult to find time for online homework / tasks very hard for age; computerised tasks are a distraction and do not help learning as children lose focus and interest.
Deadlines put pressure on parents and children and turn homework into a chore – flexible deadlines may help make homework more enjoyable. Easier when there are others in the house who can help.
Children work hard for long periods in school and homework should be minimal to allow downtime.
Children need time for educational experiences with family that can’t be provided in school – balance required.
Children should be allowed to play, investigate own interests and spend time with family.
Activities should be fun and creative and something that children want to spend free time on.
Child often enjoys homework and is keen to do it.
Homework gives parents the chance to see where their child is at in their learning and opportunities to support.
Reading incentives work well.
Homework is useful in moderation – too much leads to battles.
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Comments from Children
Class 1
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It teaches you things.
My mummy can teach me too.
I like homework – I like doing maths.
All children but one like it: “it takes me a long time”
You learn more stuff. It’s fun.
I love it because I have pens to do it.
I really love it. I like reading my books.
We should have drawing, writing, reading, shapes, maths, English.
It gives you a headache.
Homework makes you learn stuff. It makes you better at maths. I like to practice at home; it helps me do things better at home.
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Class 2
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All children should get homework as it helps us learn.
We should have times tables, numbers, writing, reading.
It helps us remember what we have learned.
Everyone but one likes doing homework
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Class 3
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Do you like homework? Yes: 2 No: 24
Would prefer to spend time with family; dad is home on weekend.
I’m busy riding /swimming / clubs etc.
Would prefer reading, online activities like maths games, science experiments, maths problems, easy homework.
Don’t like internet homework: no internet, too busy, it takes too long; don’t get it back; internet crashes; no feedback; can’t change it if it’s wrong.
Don’t always get what to do.
I like homework that helps with maths targets.
Like to work on own things with family to help me.
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Class 4
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Yes: 10 No: 16
You only get 12/13 years of childhood and you are an adult a long time.
We need it to learn.
We learn enough at school.
It needs to be consistent.
Year 6 should have it but not year 5.
Mixed feelings.
We need it so that parents know what you are doing and how to help.
You need a chance to escape from school.
We should just get a test not homework.
We should have research for computers and atlases; different subjects in different weeks.
Games, Sudoku, crosswords.
Sats prep.
Art or research projects.
It will be a shock when you get to Year 7.
Home is family time – you already learn a lot at home from adults and books.
Home is time to rest.
You lose the Friday Feeling if you have homework.
It causes stress.
Need time to be a kid.
Should be exciting stuff as well instead of the boring stuff.
I liked it when we had a CPG book.
Optional homework?
Does it help you make progress: yes:5 No 21
Do you like it: Yes 5 no:21
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Staff Comments
There was a general agreement that the online homework was not having the impact that we hoped and many had found it difficult to access.
All would like to focus on basic skills such as reading, times tables, number facts, spelling and handwriting that can then be used and applied in class learning; we would prefer to teach children spellings in class rather than by using spelling tests.
Any homework needs to be useful and have an impact on progress.
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