BROADSTONE MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY We feel it is vital that during their time in middle school, pupils should acquire the homework “habit”. As they move through the school system the volume of material to be covered increases to such an extent that academic success will depend in some part upon the pupil’s ability to settle to work independently at home. At the same time, we appreciate that a thorough day’s work in school is a demanding experience and that many of our pupils pursue a wide range of activities in the local area. They should be encouraged to take part in these if their overall development is to be enhanced. Our aim is, therefore, to ensure a balance between these various interests. The following arrangements apply: 5th and 6th Years This will regularly consist of: English: approx ½ - 1 hour spellings per week Maths: approx ½ - 1 hour per week with tasks varying over a period of time Science – approx ½ hour per week 7th and 8th Years Homework set on a regular basis in the main academic subjects which in addition to the above will include geography, history and French. The total time expected should average about 40 minutes per night for Year 7 and about 1 hour per night for Year 8. There will also be tasks related to other areas of the curriculum occasionally. The type of homework set will vary and will not always be written. There may perhaps be learning of new vocabulary, making a collection of items, preparing a poster, undertaking some simple research for a long-term project, and so on. Homework diaries will be issued to all pupils in which details of work set will be entered and parents will be asked to check and sign these on a regular basis. Regular reading practice is vital and parents are asked to hear their children, of whatever age or ability, read aloud as often as possible, ideally on a daily basis for a minimum of 15 minutes. This is obviously particularly important for children who are not yet fluent readers. Should there be concern by staff about your child’s homework, we will contact you. If you are concerned about any aspect of homework, please do contact us referring in the first instance to the appropriate subject teacher or the form tutor. Please try to provide a quiet area and encourage your child to tackle homework seriously. September 2009