Home Learning
At Fordham All Saints, we believe that primary aged children should be able to explore, experiment and enjoy learning without feeling pressured. We therefore do not wish homework to be a dominating part of our curriculum and ethos. We will provide weekly homework which promotes the development of basic and essential skills, alongside termly ‘fun’ project activities.
We accept that not every activity will capture children and parents’ imagination and that weekends can sometimes be busy. We believe that homework should be enjoyable and manageable for all concerned and that if it becomes a chore/burden/source of conflict it ceases to be a constructive aspect of teaching and learning.
We do not specify amounts of time that must be spent on a project task, preferring individual children and families to set their own limits. We hope the children are motivated by positive incentives and by the tasks themselves; children are not punished if they fail to complete the work. However discreet homework registers are kept and if a child consistently fails to complete and return tasks, this is discussed with the child and their parents.
Why give homework?
· It can inform parents about work going on in class;
· It can further stimulate enthusiasm for learning;
· It takes advantage of the home environment and resources and the chance for some one-to-one adult time;
· It can be a great source for gathering topic information to share with all the children;
· It is a great opportunity to rehearse key skills such as times tables, doubling facts, addition sums, spellings, handwriting and other key facts;
· It helps to foster good habits of organization and self-discipline in preparation for the demands of Secondary School (year 5&6)
Termly Project Homework
Each term, your child will be given a choice of three project-based tasks, linked to their current in school project. These three options will allow your child to explore areas of interest to them, be it through a creative and artistic project, a written document or a scientific experiment. These projects are designed to enable pupils to deepen their understanding of a project and to explore and enjoy learning in a variety of ways.
Parents and carers are encouraged to work with their children on these tasks. The activities can provide times to talk and discuss what is happening in school. It is also a valuable opportunity to ensure pupils are using the correct and age appropriate language. Don’t ‘dumb down’ subject specific terms, but embrace them and be sure to discuss meanings.