Home Learning Policy 2023.pdf

## Summerswood School Home Learning Policy (March 2023)

Purpose: To foster a strong home-school partnership, enhance learning, and develop essential skills in all students.

Aims:

Ensure consistent home learning practices across the school.
Establish clear expectations for teachers, parents, and pupils regarding homework.
Define roles and responsibilities for effective home learning.

Benefits of Home Learning:

Reinforce, extend, and enrich classroom learning.
Foster responsibility, confidence, and self-discipline through independent study.
Encourage shared learning experiences between parents and children.
Provide parents with insights into their child's education.
Allow for personalized learning and thinking.
Promote creativity and independent thought.
Cultivate pride in one’s work.

Implementation:

Balance: Home learning should be stimulating, challenging, and supported by quality classroom instruction. It should not become a source of conflict between parents and children.
Flexibility: Time dedicated to home learning varies based on year group and individual needs. Summerswood avoids assigning specific time frames, encouraging families to establish routines that work for them.
Motivation: Children are motivated by positive reinforcement and the inherent interest in tasks themselves. There are no consequences for incomplete assignments.
Variety: Home learning activities cater to diverse learning styles and interests, with a focus on engaging projects encompassing reading, phonics/spelling, math (including MathWizz), and creative expression.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Pupils:

Share home learning with parents and take pride in their work.
Aim to complete at least 4 activities from the half-termly grid.
Strive for independence, creativity, and unique learning.
Submit assignments on time.

Teachers:

Plan and set relevant home learning grids aligned with classroom instruction and student abilities.
Guide parents on supporting learning outside of school (e.g., mental math, environmental learning).
Share weekly summaries on the school website highlighting key learnings and suggest supplementary activities.
Encourage and praise positive attitudes and effort.

Parents:

Ensure completion of assignments to a high standard and timely submission.
Regularly check the school website for updates and suggestions.
Provide a supportive environment for learning, resources, and encouragement.
Foster independent learning and time management skills.
Encourage positive attitudes and self-esteem through praise.

Specific Home Learning Components:

Reading: Daily reading is expected from Reception to Year 6, with a focus on both guided reading and pleasure reading. Parents are encouraged to discuss books and ask questions to ensure comprehension.
Phonics/Spellings: All year groups receive phonics practice or spelling words to learn, with increasing complexity as students advance. Year 1 begins weekly testing.
Home Learning Grids: At the start of each half term, teachers distribute grids featuring a variety of engaging activities.
Years 1-3: Submit a minimum of 4 activities per half term.
Years 4-6: Submit a minimum of 5 activities, including one MathWizz assignment.
* Celebration: Students showcase their home learning projects to classmates and teachers at the end of each half term.

Rewards: Teachers reward completed assignments with Studio Points (10 points for 4 pieces, up to 40 points for 9 pieces).