Homework Guidelines for Years 5 & 6

These guidelines are for Years 5 and 6. Separate guidelines are published for Years 7 and 8.

Parents' support is vital to see that homework is done conscientiously in the best possible conditions. We ask our parents to co-operate by seeing that their children do their homework carefully, and by signing the pupils' handbook.

Homework timetables are in the back of the handbook, so parents can see what is expected each evening. Teachers also use the handbook to inform you not only when homework hasn't been done, but also to congratulate on well-done work.

How parents can help

Ten ways to help with homework...

Establish a routine. Plan for homework to be done at the same time every day.
Provide a work area which you can supervise.
Remove all distractions.
Remind your children to proof-read their work.
Help your children plan their work effectively so they complete their tasks in the right amount of time. Don't leave the hardest bits until last!
If children find the work is too hard, then they should stop. Write a note in the handbook to say what has happened so that more help can be given in school.
Remember that praise is the best motivator.
Encourage your children to use the school library, and the local public library as well.
Help your children to use a dictionary if they need to - it's better than guessing.
Emphasise the importance of handing in homework on time.

How much time?

All our pupils should read privately for at least 20 minutes each day, and practise their multiplication tables and mental strategies every day.

Year 5

Only the core subjects of English, Maths and Science have regular homework set. Each should take around 30 minutes; occasionally a little more, but never longer than an hour.

Year 6

As well as English, Maths and Science, homework for French is set once a week. Each should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Some tasks might involve research as well, so the completion time will be adjusted to allow for this. Pupils can use the library at lunchtimes for research.

Sometimes other subject teachers might ask for some research to be done for homework in addition to the regularly set subjects.

Occasionally, unfinished classwork may need to be completed at home.

English Homework for Years 5 and 6

We expect our pupils to read for pleasure, and ask parents to encourage this. Pupils should record their opinions about what they have read in their Reading Record as regularly as possible.

Parents should sign it each week and make any comments they might have. Try to ask about what your children are reading to see if they are enjoying it and have understood the text.

Frequent written tasks are given for English homework, including

planning
writing
redrafting
proof-reading

Sometime spelling homework is given - you can help by remembering

Look at the word
Cover it up
Write it out
Check it's right

If pupils are having trouble learning to spell some words, they can always ask their English teachers about other strategies for remembering.

Maths Homework for Years 5 and 6

Most maths homework is in the Maths Homework Textbook, which can be kept at home so it doesn't get lost, forgotten or damaged. Some pages in the book may be not used.

Parents can help by encouraging their children to use Maths in everyday situations, such as weighing, measuring and shopping.