Homework Policy
Parents and teachers should be aware that the school day is very long for our children. Many children return home late in the afternoon and are very tired from a strenuous school day. Homework must be a constructive learning experience and should complement the school’s education programme.
Aims of the Policy
The aims listed below are relevant to the aims of learning at Abuja Preparatory School:
- To develop an effective partnership between the school and parents.
- To ensure consistency of approach throughout the school
- To ensure progression towards independence and individual responsibility
- To ensure the needs of the individual are taken into account
- Ensure that parents have a clear understanding about expectations of themselves and the pupils
- Extend and support the child’s learning through reinforcement and revision
- Provide opportunities for the parents, pupils and school to work in partnership
- Provide opportunities for parents and pupils to enjoy learning experiences together
- To consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding, particularly in literacy and mathematics
- To exploit all resources for learning including those found at home
- To extend school learning
- To encourage pupils to develop the confidence and self-discipline required for individual study
- To prepare students to become independent learners.
Content of the Homework
Initially the main focus of homework will be Literacy in English, and Mathematics. As children move through the school, this will continue to be the main focus with the addition of other subjects such as science and the humanities. Homework may at times, consist of formal exercises to be completed by the child but will also include activities to be completed jointly by the parent and pupil e.g. reading, research.
Reading practice begins in the Infant section. This continues to be essential all the way through the child’s primary education. A child, when ready, is expected to learn weekly spellings and this then extends to writing tasks.
Mathematics tasks begin with simple number activities that eventually develop into formal tasks. This will be supplemented by tables and number bond practice and mathematical games.
In addition to regular weekly activities, children may be given additional tasks that are differentiated according to age and ability. These may include research work, reading in preparation for lessons, preparation for an oral presentation and traditional written assignments. Occasionally children may be asked to finish work at home
but this will not form the core part of homework.
All children should be provided with a book in which to record homework tasks. In the Preparatory School, parents are requested to sign the book daily to confirm that they are aware of the work that has been set. By Year 6 this becomes a formal homework diary.
Time Allocations for Homework at Abuja Preparatory School
| Year Group | Time allocation
(maximum time) |
Subjects |
| Reception | 20 minutes a day (3 times a week) | Reinforcement of pre-reading and pre-writing skills. Interest learning activities. |
| Year 1 | 30 minutes a day | Daily reading, Math, weekly spellings |
| Year 2 | 30 minutes a day | Daily reading, weekly spellings practice, weekly Math |
| Year 3 | 40 minutes a day | Daily reading, weekly spellings practice and one other piece of homework per week |
| Year 4 | 40 minutes a day | Daily reading, weekly spellings practice and one other piece of homework per week |
| Year 5 | 45 minutes a day | Daily reading, weekly spellings practice and two other pieces of homework per week |
| Year 6 | 45 minutes a day | Daily reading, weekly spellings practice and other pieces of homework most nights |
Homework during School Holidays
Compulsory homework will not be given during the holidays. On occasions, teachers may give children the opportunity to research for project work during a holiday period, but this will be optional and additional time will be allocated during term time. It is anticipated however, that all children will continue to read to parents during holiday times, from a library book or other chosen text as appropriate to their age.
Planning and Coordination
It is the responsibility of the class teacher to plan and provide manageable tasks for the children and to liaise with parents where necessary. The teacher will coordinate the allocation of subjects for homework with other teachers. All parents will be informed at the beginning of each term of the regular homework pattern. This will include the day the work will be set and the deadlines for completion. If a pattern of avoidance develops the class teacher will refer the matter to the Head of Section for disciplinary action. Children are not given homework when they are ill or absent for any other reason, unless in exceptional circumstances.
The Role of Parents
Parents are asked to provide a suitable place in which homework can be completed, whether working alone or with an adult. It is essential that parents make it clear to their children that they value homework and are willing to support the school with their approach. This includes encouragement and praise at all levels.
Whilst parents are encouraged to support their child it is important to stress that most regular ‘formal’ exercises should be done without parental assistance. If parents do give assistance at any times they are asked to note this in the homework diary to inform the teacher. Class teachers are explicit with instructions, but parents are asked to consult them if unsure.
Parents are strongly requested not to put excessive pressure on their children. Children should learn to work independently but must also become whole people through being allowed to play and socialise with others their age.
Feedback
All homework is marked promptly and feedback must be given to pupils. This may take a variety of forms according to the work set, such as:
- Class discussion about the work
- Tests
- Individual written feedback
- Individual verbal feedback
Parents are encouraged to give teachers any useful feedback. This may include:
- Notes on the reading card
- Notes in the homework diary
- Notes attached to exercise books (Parents are asked not to write in any exercise books)
- Verbal feedback
