Home Learning

Reception Class

In Reception, we will offer parents ideas and practical activities to do at home with their children, to support the learning that has taken place that week. This will initially include activities linked to the phonics that has been taught during the week. This will then progress to incorporate consolidating the maths learning that has taken place or activities related to other curriculum areas. We may also direct parents to websites or videos to look at with their children.

 We want to ensure that homework time enables children to spend time with their parents/carers, engaging in fun activities to develop language skills. We will welcome any feedback from parents and children about what they have done.

 Reception Homework

In Reception, children may be provided with simple weekly homework activities designed to reinforce learning in school and help prepare them for the expectations of Year 1. The Literacy and Maths tasks will be sent home on a Friday to be returned the following Wednesday. 

All homework brought back to school must have the child’s name clearly written on it. Homework activities will be provided by the class teacher and may vary according to the needs of the cohort and the time of year.

Weekly Homework (Years 1–6)

Following consultation with parents through a recent parent survey, the school has reviewed its approach to homework. The majority of families expressed a preference for a weekly homework model rather than the previous homework menu approach. As a result, Beal Vale Primary School will provide weekly homework for all pupils in Years 1 to 6.

Homework will be issued each Friday and should be completed and returned by the following Wednesday. The weekly homework is designed to be short and manageable, taking approximately 10 minutes to complete, whilst helping children to develop important habits of responsibility, independence and pride in their work.

All pupils will be provided with a homework book. Clear presentation expectations will be printed inside the front cover to ensure consistency and help pupils understand the standard expected when completing homework.

Homework will be reviewed by school staff. Where homework is incomplete, not returned, or does not meet the expected standard, pupils will be required to complete or improve the work. Time may be provided during the school day, including breaktimes or lunchtimes where appropriate, to support pupils in meeting these expectations.

The school recognises that some pupils may face barriers to completing homework at home and will provide appropriate support to ensure that all children can access and benefit from homework opportunities.

Our aim is to keep homework purposeful, low-pressure for families and beneficial in developing key lifelong learning skills.

Homework Presentation Expectations

• Homework must be completed in pencil only.
• Only one digit should be written in each square where squared paper is provided.
• All straight lines should be drawn using a ruler.
• Pupils should use their best handwriting and correct number formation at all times.
• All homework should be completed carefully, neatly and to the highest standard possible.
• Homework that is incomplete or does not meet these expectations may be returned for correction or completion.

Weekly Spelling Homework

Each week we will introduce, practise and revise different spelling patterns.  Lists of the spellings which are being learned in school will be sent home with the child. Whilst at home, we would encourage the children to use some of the strategies learned in class to learn these. Each week the children will have a spelling test. The children will need to get 50% or more correct. If the children do not get enough correct they will need further practice and will have a retest the following week – this may take place during break or lunchtimes.

Weekly Reading- BoomReader App

At Beal Vale we place an extremely high value on the importance of reading. Our mission is to build a love for reading and story-telling in our pupils. We have invested heavily in our class and school libraries and have a wonderful range of books for the children to engage with.

It is expected that children will read 3 times over a week. This MUST be logged using the BoomReader app. If the children do not meet this reading expectation at home, children will complete this reading within the school day, inclusive of playtimes and lunchtimes.  

Please note: Homework tasks will vary as to the needs of the individual class and the individual child.

Virtual Learning Environment-Purple Mash

The school pays a subscription to the “Purple Mash” website. In addition to the homework outlined above, all children have their own username and password to access the “Purple Mash” activities to support Maths, Literacy and other areas of the curriculum. Please encourage your child to use it as often as possible. Purple Mash login details are available from the school office or class teacher on request.