As mentioned in the response to our annual parent/carers’ survey, we are having a look at homework this term. We take your feedback and comments very seriously and always want to improve our offer.
Most feedback we received was favourable and the majority prefer to keep homework. Some want more, a smaller number want less. Fewer still want none.
There was quite a lot of love for the system of a menu of extra optional tasks to support learning in areas other than the core of Reading, Spelling and Maths.
Generally, research suggests that homework is beneficial and leads to improved outcomes The main report on this is from the Educational Endowment Foundation, who helpfully collate all available academic research to give advisory reports for schools to use. The one on homework is here: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/homework
Last year, we sent out this letter, promising some changes to homework from the previous years. On reflection, if we’re brutally honest with ourselves, we’re not sure we’ve delivered particularly brilliantly on this; at least not consistently and right across the school. There is a suspicion that if we deliver what we’ve previously proposed, then that will be about right.
New homework introduction letter 04.09.23
Staff have been asked to revisit this and, if they haven’t already:
a) make plans to consistently deliver this and then
b) update parents/carers via the website
We’ll then run with this for this term and review again at Christmas, consulting with the community as to how it’s been going and whether we need to change anything further.