St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School Homework Policy

Other HomeworkReception - Key Stage 1Children are asked to undertake reading on a daily basis, except the ReceptionClass who will be given some when the teacher deems him/her ready to do so,and not because another child is reading. It is important to remember that allchildren develop a reading readiness at different times and should not be forcedto read when they are not ready. Along with reading, homework will be used toenhance learning in Literacy and Numeracy and other areas of the curriculum asappropriate, but is not generally relied upon to form the basis of future lessons. Aswell as this, children may occasionally be given activities related to Science and theHumanities, especially in Year 2.Key Stage 2In Key Stage 2, children will generally have 3-4 pieces of written homework aweek. The work will have been prepared in school or will be something withwhich the child is familiar, so serious difficulties should not arise. If there aregenuine signs of distress, stop immediately since no homework is worth tears!Homework is generally set for Literacy, Numeracy and various topic related tasksin Science and the Humanities. Times Tables will also be given on a weekly basisfor regular tests as with spellings. All Key Stage 2 children have a homework diarywith a record of set tasks, dates for completion and space for a parental signatureand comments. The homework given may be in the form of worksheets or thechildren may be asked to complete an activity in a designated exercise book. Inaddition to enhancing the curriculum, the more formal nature of homework inYears 5 and 6 is structured to help prepare the children for their secondaryeducation.RE HomeworkAs a Catholic school, our Religious Education underpins ourwhole curriculum and, as such, it is important that this isreflected in the homework that the children are regularlybringing home. At least one piece of RE homework will begiven for each of the nine topics undertaken during thecourse of a year. This may involve reading, discussionactivities or worksheets based on the work being done inclass.Additional HomeworkThose children involved in various Booster classes in key Stage 2 may also receiveshort tasks to complete for homework to consolidate their understanding. Thishomework is in addition to that given by the class teacher but should not be toolengthy or onerous.