Homework
Homework is set at Southrop in order to allow children to consolidate their learning in the classroom and to enable parents to participate in their child’s school experience. It is never intended to overstretch the children.
It is a significant aspect of our school ethos that we don’t want children to feel pressurised by their work but to enjoy it. Homework is usually, therefore, well within their capabilities and is designed to help them feel confident about what they have learnt.
The pattern of homework throughout the school is as follows:
Phonics
Children who have daily phonics lessons could be sent a link from their teacher for RWI online session. These will support the childrens learning.
Home Reading: From Years 1 – 6
All children participate in Accelerated Reader, the home reading scheme, which forms the basis for homework every day. Until they are confident readers, the children are allocated a book from the scheme according to their reading ability. The children are asked to read a set number of pages on a number of occasions throughout the week, and parents are asked to sign to say that they have done so. For the younger children, this means reading their book aloud; for the older children, they are likely to read to themselves, but parents might like to discuss the book with them. Again, this reading scheme is not intended to overstretch the children, but simply to ensure that they are reading regularly, and reading books with which they feel very comfortable. When the children have finsihed their book they should look to see if there is a quiz available to complete. If they are not able to access Accelerated Reader at home their teacher can give them access at school. Certificates are awarded for those who have completed the most quizzes correctly.
Spelling
All children, Year 1 through to Year 6 are allocated spellings using Spelling Frame each week. The spelling rule is introduced in school, revisted during the week with and assessment at the end of the week. The children have a login to Spelling Frame where there are activities linked to their spelling rule. The children are expected to practise their spellings at home.
Number Facts and Timestables
Each week children are required to learn practise number facts (Cygnets) on NumBots or times table facts (Year 2 and Swans) on Times Table Rock Stars. The children will have the login details for these in their reading journals.
English and Mathematics Year 3 - 6
Each week children are given age related worksheets to complete (occasionally a sheet may be different to their peers if they are significantly above or below the normal ability). The work is intended to consolidate knowledge and skills developed that week in class. It does not introduce any new concepts. Parents can see what topics the children are undertaking in class and can give feedback on how well their child engaged with the process. Some parents like to help the children. As part of their marking, teachers feedback helpful comments to the children each week. It is expected that homework set in Years 3 – 6 is completed and handed in on the Monday after it has been set.