Parents-Information-Handbook-2016-2017

Page 87
Section 3b - The Curriculum
Homework/Prep
Homework (prep)
Homework is set throughout the Preparatory School (Years 1 - 6) on a daily basis. Each term the class
teacher provides a prep timetable for parents to support their child. Pupils record their prep tasks in
their planner and details are often available on the VLE.
Homework is set by teachers according to the following guidelines :-
The task should be either re-enforce work already done in class or allow research for a new topic.
Prep in Years 1 and 2 should last no longer than 20 minutes. This increases to 30 minutes in
Years 3 and 4 and 40 minutes in Years 5 and 6.
Different tasks will often be set for children in the same class, according to individual ability to
provide an appropriate level of challenge.
Pupils should be able to complete the task independently as much as possible and in the set time.
Tasks should be creative and varied to enrich pupils’ learning opportunities.
Prep should be set regularly according to the timetable to help pupils develop good habits in
independent working.
Parents are invited to use the planner to inform teachers if their child has struggled with the prep.
If a task is not finished or handed in on time the pupil will be asked to stay in at break to complete
it.
Some tasks may be project based and therefore set over a number of weeks. This would allow
time to complete more in-depth research, specific parental involvement or a multi-activity
approach.
Although the majority of tasks will be handwritten, pupils may be asked to use ICT to research
and complete tasks. School tablets and computers will be made available for those pupils
completing such tasks at supervised prep.
Examples of excellent effort and achievement will be rewarded with House points and celebrated
in class or through a Headmaster’s Commendation.
Tasks will be marked promptly and returned to pupils to reflect on and correct, if necessary.
Section 3b - Homework/Prep - Preparatory School