Homework is defined as any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside lesson time, either on their own or with parents or carers. We see work done at home as a valuable part of school work.
The Purpose of Homework
The school regards the purpose of homework as being to:
- Develop an effective partnership between the school and parents and other carers in pursuing the aims of the school and the development of their child.
- Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding.
- Extend school learning, for example through additional reading.
Our teaching staff recognise that pupils who have spent a busy structured day at school need time to relax and unwind at the end of the afternoon. We are also mindful of the need to encourage children to pursue out of-school activities, e.g. swimming, sports, karate lessons etc.
Homework should be used to effectively reinforce and/or extend what is learned in school. We hope that children will feel a sense of personal satisfaction in a task completed well and that their efforts will be recognised and praised both at home and at school. Homework tasks should be undertaken to the best of their ability.
Homework provides an opportunity for students to develop the skills of independent learning, which they will need to continue lifelong learning, and this should increasingly become its main purpose. It is important that children should gradually get into the habit of regularly devoting periods of time, which may not be long, to study on their own.