Homework
Why homework is important
Homework will help you and your child develop and learn together. It will sow the seeds of seeing learning as a life long activity, not just something that happens in school and will also give pupils who need it, some extra time to achieve their best.
homeworkOFSTED ( Office for Standards in Education ) highlighted how important homework can be at all stages in a child's education and that when "used properly, it extends the challenge open to the pupil and ensures that teaching time is used to maximum effect".
What is homework
Homework can help enrich and enhance learning and play activities in the home for both you and your child. It also supports classroom work and preparation for exams. Important homework activities include:
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work set by the school
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learning with your child at home
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musical instrument practice
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Reading
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everyday home-based learning - the guidance you give to your child
Why parents matter
Working and playing at home is an important part of a child's education and development. You can help your child do better at school by supporting homework set by the class teacher and by learning and playing with your child.
If your child is pre-school or has just started, you may find your school offers a toy library and learning support packs for use in the home. If your child is older, you can help support set homework. In Secondary Schools homework is an essential preparation for tests, examinations and life long learning.
What you can do
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Support and praise your child's work, not just when it is completed, but while it is being done. By doing this your child will find it easier to learn.
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Even if you have many calls on your time, try and set aside 20 minutes a day when you can take an active interest in your child's work or play.
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If possible, provide a reasonably peaceful place in which your child can do homework. Perhaps turn off the TV while your child is working. Suitable background music sometimes helps.
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If you or your child have problems with homework, contact your school who will be able to offer advice and help.
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Show your child you believe homework is important. Explain how it can help them make progress at school. Make the effort to look at what they have done, but try not to pressure them.
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Where you can - make homework fun, remember play can involve learning too and should be encouraged.
What Staffordshire schools are doing
These are just some of the things some schools are doing. You may not find all these at your child's school, but the class teacher and Headteacher will always be able to give you help and advice. Your school will be very keen to help you help your child succeed.
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Study support clubs
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Homework clubs
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Home/school partnership schemes
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Parent Teacher Association support
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Family Learning in Literacy and Numeracy
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Parent helper schemes
Family Learning
You can also learn with your child in school. Many schools are involved in family learning where adults' learning opportunities range from developing basic skills to gaining qualifications and going to college.
Homework Policy
The Government believes every school should have a written policy on homework, publicly available on request. The policy should be drawn up after consultation with all staff and parents and should be reviewed regularly.
Policies may include involving you in your child's learning and being kept informed about the work your child is doing; guidance on the amount of homework expected; how the school expects you to support homework; pupils' own responsibilities and how the policy will be reviewed.
Home School Agreements
Many schools already have a Home School Policy. The Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 requires all schools to adopt a Home School Agreement. The agreement is a statement explaining:
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the school's aims and values
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the school's responsibilities towards its pupils
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the responsibilities of the pupil's parents
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what the school expects of its pupil
Schools will consult with all parents before finalising the agreement and then invite parents to sign the 'parental declaration'. Some schools may invite older pupils to sign too.
The Department for Education and Employment has produced guidance for schools and a parents leaflet on Home School Agreements. Ask your headteacher if you want more information.
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