Homework in Key Stage 2
As children get older, homework provides an opportunity for
them to develop the skill of independent learning. It is
important that parents support their children but good
habits of independent study should be encouraged.
The main focus for homework in Key Stage 2 continues to be
Literacy and Numeracy, however the children will also have a
mini project to complete each half term.
What type of work will my child get?
Reading
Children may read to an adult, with an adult or read to themselves
in the presence of an adult. The story and characters should be
talked about and new words discussed. Older children need a clear
understanding of the story that sometimes will go beyond the literal
meaning of the text. Children will read texts that are more detailed
and will take longer to read. They should be encouraged to read all
types of texts including non-fiction. If a child is still on a reading scheme we ask that
parents sign and/or comment in the child’s diary to say when he/she has completed
their reading book.
Spellings
Children will be sent home a list of spellings each Friday and will be tested
the following Friday.
Homework task
This will be given on a weekly basis in lower key stage two and twice a week in upper key
stage 2.
The homework will be either:
NUMERACY or
ENGLISH
Project Work
Each half term the lower and upper key stages will be given a project, this could be
based on the creative curriculum or the current Science topic.
How much time should be spent on homework?
Year 3 and 4
Year 5 and 6
15 – 20 mins reading daily.
Approx. 30 mins on homework task per
week
Project work
20 – 30 mins reading daily
Approx. 1 hour per week on homework
tasks per week
Project work
How can parents find out more information about homework?
To help parents and children homework in years 1 – 4 will be set on ​
Friday​
and will be
due in on ​
Tuesday.
In years 5 and 6 homework will be given out twice a week on Friday to be handed
in on Monday and on Tuesday to be handed in on Thursday.
Teachers will have different systems for handing in homework and they will tell
children about this at the beginning of the year.
If parents need advice on how to support their children with homework then they can
make an appointment to talk to the class teacher or Key Stage Leader.
For those parents who wish to support their child further at home there are links on
our school website.
Why will children sometimes be given extra homework?
Children who take part in intervention lessons may sometimes be set extra homework to
reinforce the work being done.
Additionally children who work in a one to one situation with teaching assistants will
sometimes be given extra homework.
As the year 6 SATs approach children may be asked to complete past SAT papers at
home.
In all cases, children should complete this work alongside their normal homework unless
the child or the parents have been told otherwise.
If the child is finding they have too much work then parents should speak to the child’s
teacher or the person running the extra sessions.
What about children who don’t complete homework?
The expectation is that children will complete homework. Teachers will keep records of
children completing homework and these records will be checked on a regular basis. If a
child hasn’t completed their homework the teacher will write in the child’s diary. If
there are further problems with children not completing homework then the teacher
will speak to parents to find out why. A letter from the head teacher will be sent home
if a child misses handing in homework 3 times in a half term.
How will the homework be marked?
Children’s homework will be marked in a variety of ways, sometimes by a Teaching
Assistant and sometimes by the teacher. The marking of the work will always be
overseen by the teacher. In KS2 when a child is given a piece of writing a marking
ladder will be provided for pupils and parents to mark together. Teachers generally will
not mark homework that is handed in late. If a child has difficulty completing the
homework then a message should be written to the teacher either in the homework
book or the diary.
What is the role of the Homework Club?
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To provide support for children experiencing difficulties completing their
homework.
To provide a suitable environment for the completion of homework.
To give children the skills to become independent learners.
Who goes to Homework Club?
At the beginning of every half term teachers will be asked to refer children. These
referrals are based upon three criteria:
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●
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persistent non-completion of homework
poor quality of work
little or no support at home for a variety of reason explained by the parent.
The children will attend for one half term. When that term has been completed their
progress will be reviewed by the class teacher.
When and where does the Homework Club take place?
Mrs Holmes will run a homework club on Tuesday lunchtimes in the ICT suite as and
when necessary.