Homework
The school offers a supervised 'Homework Club' (4.15 - 5.00 pm), should parents wish their child to remain at school. There are formal set homeworks in the core subjects of Maths and English, as well as a reading homework on Wednesdays. On Fridays, children are shown a variety of enriching educational DVDs throughout the year, hosted by Mr Astley our Deputy Head.
One night each week is reserved for a 'General Studies' homework. This is a time for children to work on any additional learning homework such as spelling or times tables, Latin or French vocabulary or a project in either Geography or History.
Year 4 Project Homework - 'All About Me'
During the year, many Year 4 children do a project about themselves. The project is clearly laid out with a specific section to complete each week. This covers different aspects such as their early childhood, a time line of their family, their favourite room, favourite place, someone who has impressed them and what they would like to be when they grow up. An important section includes an interview with a very special relative. The style and presentation is left to each child, resulting in impressive and individual projects which the Headmistress thoroughly enjoys reading.
Maths Homework in the Prep Department
(Additional learning at home)
It is essential that the children learn the multiplication tables and develop quick recall strategies. Regular tables tests are given in Year 3 and continued, as appropriate, as the children progress through the school. For some children there will also be tests on the division facts that go with the tables. Each Maths teacher sets tests according to the ability of the pupils in their set and we rely on parents to encourage and support the children with their learning at home. Occasionally, children may also be required to practise other mental calculation strategies at home, and parents are kept informed via the prep diary.
English Homework in the Prep Department
(Additional learning and reading at home)
Children in all years of the Prep department are expected to learn spellings for a weekly test. All the children have a spelling book that is kept in their book bag at all times so that it is accessible to both teachers and parents. In Year 4 there is a designated spelling homework but, as in other year groups, the learning of the weekly list should be done at home. We rely on parental support to help the children with their learning.
Children are expected to read each evening and parents initial the Prep diary to confirm that this has happened. Form teachers collect diaries in the morning to check that reading has been done and to add their signature.
Expectations for the length of reading time vary according to the age and ability of the child; between ten and twenty minutes per evening is acceptable. This may be reading aloud or silent reading, depending on ability, but parents are recommended to hear even fluent readers at least three times a week. They are also encouraged to check their children’s understanding of the story and of word meanings.
Children may read books brought from home or from the school library. The Librarian and the child’s English teacher are happy to give advice about suitable reading material.
Latin Homework
Latin is offered to children in years 5 & 6 who wish to study it and it will involve approximately half an hour’s homework.
French Homework
There will be approximately 10 minutes homework in French each fortnight, which will include learning vocabulary and grammar.