Home Learning refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside lesson time, either on their own or with parents or carers. At St John’s Primary School, experience tells us that Home Learning fulfils a number of important roles. For many parents it is a helpful means by which they are able to understand what subjects and skills their children learn at school. Research has shown that the most important factor in the academic achievement of children is parental involvement. Regular Home Learning is therefore a significant opportunity for parents to show interest and support their children’s work.
We believe the purpose of Home Learning is to:
- consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding
- develop an effective partnership between the school and parents and other carers
- extend school learning, for example through additional reading, writing, discussion and participation in educational experiences with adults at home
- stimulate each child’s curiosity and love of learning
- build and sustain pupils’ self esteem in learning situations
The purpose and amount of Home Learning will change as children get older. For children in KS1, developing a partnership with parents or carers and involving them actively in children’s reading is the key purpose.
As children get older, work at home will provide an opportunity for them to develop the skills of independent learning. It is important that children should gradually get into the habit of regularly devoting periods of time to study on their own.
By the time the children reach Y6 their Home Learning programme will cover a wide range of tasks and curriculum content. This will ensure that their transition to secondary school is as smooth as possible.