Homework
The Governors and staff at Holy Family believe that homework is an important aspect of a child's education. We believe it encourages children to realise that learning can take place outside the classroom, as well as promoting independent learning thus encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their own progress. Homework allows parents and the school to work in partnership for the benefit of their child. Whilst most parents do appreciate the value and importance of this homework, it is difficult to get the balance right: a few feel that we do not set enough, while others feel that there is too much! The amount and type of homework we set is at a level that we believe to be reasonable and manageable, as well as inline with the guidance provided.
| Year Group | Guideline Amount | Subject Area / Task / Activity |
| EYFS |
The 'Learning Journeys' should be added to on an on-going basis. Children should read or be read to with an adult regularly. once children join the Ditty group in RWInc they need to read daily at home. Children are expected to practice new phonic blends as new sets of sounds are learnt. |
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| Year 1 | Up to 1 hour weekly |
The time spent on homework should be up to 10 minutes each evening. Children are expected to read daily. Spellings are set weekly and tested each Friday from October half term. Teachers send a 'Go Home' sheet, which explains the key learning covered that week, and suggests activities which support the week's learning. Occasionally, children are set a task to support classwork or a creative homework. |
| Year 2 | Up to 1 hour weekly |
Homework is set on Fridays and returned the following Wednesday. Children are expected to read daily. Their reading diaries are checked weekly. Spellings are set weekly and are tested on Fridays. Weekly comprehension and maths work is set from Reading Eggs and MyMaths which correlates with classwork. Children are encouraged to learn 2s, 5s and 10 times tables at home. Occasionally children are set a creative homework linked to topic work. |
| Year 3 | Up to 90 minutes weekly |
Homework is set on Fridays and returned the following Wednesday. Children are expected to read daily. Spellings are set weekly and tested on Thursdays. Children record incorrect spellings in the Homework Diaries which they must learn during half termly holidays in preparation for a test during the first week of each half term. Children's reading diaries are checked weekly. Weekly comprehension and maths work is set using the online platforms Reading Eggs and MyMaths which correlates with classwork. Children are encouraged to learn 3s, 4s, 8s, 9, and 11 times tables at home. Occasionally, children are set a grammar task or a creative homework linked to topic work. |
| Year 4 | Up to 90 minutes weekly |
Homework is set on Fridays and returned the following Wednesday. Children are expected to read daily. Spellings are set weekly and tested on Thursdays. Children record incorrect spellings in the Homework Diaries which they must learn during half termly holidays in preparation for a test during the first week of each term. Children's reading diaries are checked weekly. Weekly comprehension and maths work is set using the online platforms Reading Eggs and MyMaths which correlates with class work. Children should either spend a minimum of 30 minutes per week on Reading Eggs, or complete 2 lessons - whichever is takes longer. Children are expected to practice all times tables weekly at home. Occasionally, children are set a grammar task or a creative homework linked to topic work. |
| Year 5 | Up to 25 minutes daily |
Homework is set on Fridays and returned the following Wednesday. Children should spend up to 25 minutes each evening on homework. Children are expected to read daily, practice times tables and learn weekly spellings which are tested on Thursdays. Children record incorrect spellings in the Homework Diaries which they must learn during half termly holidays in preparation for a test during the first week of each term. Children's reading diaries will be checked weekly. Weekly comprehension, grammar and maths work is set using the online platforms Reading Eggs and MyMaths which correlates with classwork. Children should either spend a minimum of 30 minutes per week on Reading Eggs, or complete 2 lessons - whichever takes longer. Occasionally, children are set a creative homework linked to topic work. |
| Year 6 | Up to 30 minutes daily |
Homework is set on Fridays and returned the following Wednesday. Children should spend up to 30 minutes each evening on homework. Children are expected to read daily, practice times tables and learn weekly spellings which are tested on Thursdays. Children record incorrect spellings in the Homework Diaries which they must learn during half termly holidays in preparation for a test during the first week of each term. Children's reading diaries are checked weekly. Weekly comprehension, grammar and maths work is set using the online platforms Reading Eggs and MyMaths which correlates with classwork. Children should spend wither a minimum of 30 minutes per week on Reading Eggs, or complete 2 lessons - whichever takes longer. There may be revision homework sent home at different stages of the year, as well as handwriting practice. Occasionally, children are set a creative homework linked to topic work. |
The gradual increase allows children to develop their skills and independence in completing homework and ensuring that they are ready for the expectations of 45-90 minutes daily in Years 7 and 8.
In Year 1 and 2, parents are encouraged to support their children with set homework. As children progress through Key Stage 2, however, they should be able to complete their homework with increasing independence; older children are encouraged to share their learning with their parents. Parents are expected to sign Reading / Homework Diaries regularly; these are checked in school weekly.
Teachers explain homework expectations during the 'Meet the Teacher' meeting held every September. They are also readily available to answer queries regarding homework at the beginning or end of each school day, or by appointment via the school office.
Creative Homework Projects
These projects are either linked to a whole-school initiative or as part of a class project. Sometimes creative projects are compulsory, and sometimes they are optional. We believe the projects are a great opportunity for parents and carers to work alongside their child, enhancing their learning experience. The projects are shared with other classes and parents regularly, often through exhibitions.