Home Learning
At Horsenden Primary School we believe in ‘home learning’ rather than ‘homework’ because learning is fun! Home learning is a valuable tool for reinforcing classroom learning, promoting independent studying and encouraging a love of learning. We aim to set home learning tasks that support and consolidate lessons taught in school and hope to provide meaningful ways that help parents and carers support their children at home.
Research tell us that ‘homework’ has little impact for primary age pupils, unless it requires them to rehearse and practise. There are also increasingly high pressures on children and there is a need for them to enjoy their childhood by having a break from school work when at home.
Weekly Home Learning Tasks
From Reception, pupils will receive weekly work that allows them to practise skills and facts learnt in school. This is set via Google Classrooms and is therefore submitted online using platforms such as TTRockstars, Numbots, and Century.
When completing home learning tasks, we think that it should take around 20 minutes a day for Year 1 and 2 pupils, 30 minutes a day for Year 3 and 4 pupils and no longer than 45 minutes a day for Year 5 and 6 pupils.
Home learning is due in on Fridays and is set every Friday. We feel that this ensures that children are given sufficient time complete the work.
Century
Century is an online learning platform that we use to assign home learning in maths, SPaG, and science. Teachers assign short, focused tasks called ‘nuggets’ to reinforce learning in these subjects. In addition, children spend time on their individual learning pathways, which are tailored to address their specific gaps and ensure they make progress where it is most needed.
Reading
Pupils should read for at least 15 minutes every evening from Nursery through to Year 6. This should be a mix of adults modelling reading and the child reading the ability-level books sent home from school (from Reception onward). Reading Records need to be filled in daily. If you are struggling to find the time to hear your child read, please speak to the class teacher so that we can suggest alternative ways to ensure your child’s reading progress is not hindered. Furthermore, weekly library sessions, with one of our passionate librarians, ensures that children also select a book that reflects their interests and encourages reading for pleasure.
Spelling
Children learn new spelling patterns weekly during class time. Children are tested on spelling words based on the spelling rule or pattern that they've been learning that week, every Friday. As well as this, children learn learn and are tested on the National Curriculum spellings at the start of every half term. These can be found here.
TTRockstars and Numbots
In order to be successful in maths, children are need to have a solid understanding of recall and fluency in addition and subtraction, in order to move from counting to calculating. Therefore, Year 1 and 2 children are asked to recall addition and subtraction facts, as well as number bonds using Numbots. Once children have a secure understanding of this, children are required to confidently recall multiplication and division facts in order to complete more complex methods. Therefore, Year 3-6 pupils are asked to use TTRockstars where they are tested on these facts.
The Great Debate - Picture News
In addition, there will be school-wide ‘The Great Debate’ tasks which link to our fortnightly SMSC and Picture News topics. These are for families to discuss as a group and encourage the development of critical thinking and communication and language skills. They also provide opportunities for quality family time which helps pupils’ social and emotional development.
Each year group will have slightly different home learning routines however a letter will be sent home at the beginning of the academic school year to ensure parents and carers have a clear understanding of expectations. You can also find this information outlined on the year group pages. If you have any concerns or problems with home learning tasks, please don’t hesitate to see your child’s class teacher.
Half Term and Holiday Home Learning Projects
Home learning projects are set for each half term or holiday break. These aim to develop passion and excitement about new themes or concepts. Projects are not compulsory however allow pupils to explore ideas in a creative way with their siblings and families. These are then displayed around the school for all to see. We love seeing the imaginative and innovative ways our pupils choose to evidence their ideas!
The projects will be sent out at the end of each term either with the final newsletter or via the school communications system, but you can also find all the details and documents uploaded below. You'll also find some photos of the amazing work submitted and displayed in school.
