Homework
Philosphy
St John Rigby School believes that homework is an essential part of a child's education. It gives them the opportunity to extend and consolidate work experienced during lesson time, it encourages them to produce creative, reflective and investigative work independent of the teacher; it also develops skills in personal organisation and a sense of responsibility.
What do we mean by homework?
At St John Rigby School we define ‘homework' widely to mean any work or activities which students are asked to do outside lesson time without the guidance of teachers. It is usually done with the support of parents or carers and is an opportunity for adults, other than teachers, to become active partners in supporting learning.
Homework should be enjoyable for the child, stimulate imagination and creativity, as well as reinforcing what is taught in the classroom. Students generally enjoy continuing activities, sharing their experiences and ideas as well as bringing work started at home back into school.
Why is homework important?
There is no legal requirement for schools to provide a set amount of homework for school children but we feel it is a vital means of helping to raise achievement and every child sees that the school and home are working together in a partnership to provide support and encouragement. It also enables the school to offer some pastoral support beyond the school day.
Homework provides a means for children:
- To consolidate and reinforce what is learnt in the classroom
- To become independent and curious learners
- To develop good study habits
- To develop skills in personal organisation and a sense of responsibility
- To prepare for the next stage of education
All teachers will set a small and manageable amount of homework on a regular basis based around literacy and numeracy. In early September teachers write letters to parents of their pupils advising them of the homework plan for the term, and introducing the Homework Diary. All pupils will have weekly spelling lists to learn, plus a small amount of writing and sentence work. In addition, the children are encouraged to take reading books home from the main library and from the classroom library to read for pleasure. Parents are encouraged to support their children with reading, as well as with any numeracy. Each child is encouraged to have a book bag (£3.00 from the office) to protect work, both at school and when travelling home.
If your child is finding it difficult to do their homework or to hand it in on time due to other evening activities or clubs and societies, please let your child's teacher know as soon as possible.