PARENT’S VOICE 2 nd October 2013

Priorities from questionnaire School discipline Homework - spelling

March 2012 Michael Gove scraps government homework guidelines Head teachers in England are to be given greater discretion over how much homework their pupils are set. Education Secretary Michael Gove has scrapped the guidelines for home study introduced by Labour in 1998.

Research Review There is no consensus in the literature as to whether homework raises student achievement. However Overall, it appears that some homework is preferable to too much or none at all, but the time devoted to homework must accord with the student’s age and stage of development The quality of the homework assigned is likely to be more important than the quantity The amount of effort spent on homework has a more positive impact on achievement than time spent on homework Parental involvement in homework can improve students’ homework completion rates and parents’ attitudes toward their children’s schools.

So why set homework? Practice/extend/prepare for learning experiences Learning skills / acquiring knowledge to be used in class Parent’s sharing in learning experience; knowledge of what their child is studying in school Opportunity for individual attention and support Learning skills like self discipline, independence, responsibility Reading is like learning to play an instrument – you need to practise, practise, practise

What do teacher’s think? ChildrenParentsTeachers Clear understanding Recognition from teacher Hints & support resources Be on board Ask for help/info WAGOLL Clear instructions Availability Take responsibility Listen & explain to parents Realistic time & relevance Clear expectations Aware of children who need help Manageable Take responsibility Effort & ask for help What’s it for Understanding what we mean by homework. Time manageable, add to quality of learning Flexibility

What do the children think? May not always like doing it but recognise that it helps them learn Biggest concern is problems it can cause with parents What would they like? Choice in some homework about how to present it: making things, videos, games A WAGOLL for parents

What are we doing now? Minimum FS- phonics & reading KS1 – phonics & reading, My Maths KS2 – daily reading and times tables My Maths, spelling, a project related task UKS2 story planning Extension My maths games Websites with literacy and numeracy games Researching information to support topic study work ICT programmes e.g. scratch

Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes children have the opportunity to use the computer and/or complete tasks including reading quizzes. Accelerated reader quizzes can be taken 8:40 – 8:50 Would access time after school be useful? Where do we go next?

What is Assertive Mentoring? “Assertive Mentoring brings together many outstanding school systems together in one place. It is a focussed, child centred, collaborative approach based on a dialogue about the child’s present and future learning needs.”

Assessment Regular assessment of each child’s progress is carried out – normally half-termly. These assessments are used to plan the next steps in learning. Mental maths tests at appropriate level

Mentoring Meetings Every term, each KS2 pupil will have a short meeting with their mentor (usually class teacher) to celebrate achievements, discuss their progress and set new targets. There are 2 main topics for discussion at the meeting: - attainment - attitude and behaviour A standard form is completed during the meeting to record the discussion and any new targets agreed. A copy shared with parents/carers.

Traffic light colour coding Academic achievement Attendance Behaviour