ST MICHAEL’S EASTHAMPSTEAD – Homework Policy
The aims of Homework are:

1. To encourage self-discipline and personal organisation.
2. To create additional time for relevant structured learning.
3. To bridge the gap between home and school.
4. To allow parents direct involvement in their child’s learning (through regular
   homework communications).
5. To ensure that children learn to research responsibility and safely on the internet
   both at school and at home.

Task Allocation

Homework will be presented in half-termly grids. Children will be given a printed copy and all grids can be found on the school website on the class pages. Children are required to submit their homework tasks on Wednesdays but the way in which their work is presented, is up to them and their parents.

In Key Stage 1 the grids will show “Tasks I Must Do” which are the ongoing things outlined above like reading and spellings along with a section to choose at least one item each week to do (preferably from a different section each week).

In Key Stage 2 the grids show just the choice of optional tasks from which to choose at least one item per week to complete – again preferably from a different row each week. The ongoing tasks will be given to children or published on the school website on the class pages.

Each child has a book to record homework in however more creative methods of presentation can be used. We will check every 2 weeks to see how children are doing and there will be a dead-line at the end of each half-term for work to be submitted by.

The daily-recommended reading, which the government recommends for all primary children, must be done as part of the homework. Rewards for homework will be in the form of Class Dojos with a particular focus on the level of effort put in rather than just simply the standard of the work itself.

Monitoring and organisation

• Homework may be differentiated as appropriate, according to a child’s ability. A child’s Special Educational Needs should also be taken into account.
• If a parent feels that particular circumstances (e.g. prolonged absence from school) warrant additional homework this should be discussed with the class teacher. Additional homework will not normally be set simply because a child is being taken out of school for a family holiday.
• Feedback on homework will be given and followed up in class if appropriate. It should be made clear to children that, unless clearly specified, homework tasks should be completed and handed in on time.
• Persistent failure to complete homework tasks will be discussed with parents.