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Castle Newnham

Homework

At Castle Newnham we value the role that families have in supporting children with their learning. The main aim of home learning is to develop good study habits and to promote independent learning. 

primary - reception to year 6

All primary phases have clear expectations for home learning, which include reading for pleasure, learning key mathematical facts, timetables and the corresponding division facts and weekly spellings to learn. 

You can find the relevant home learning guidance in the children’s home/school books.

We do understand that it can be a challenge to fit in home learning. A parent who works full time, has kindly shared with us how they manage it.

  • I check the book bag every night and note the deadlines, then look when the best time to do the home learning is.  We make a note on our calendar so we don’t forget to do it.

  • Reading – they read to me whilst I prepare dinner, or when we are getting ready in the morning or as part of their bedtime story.

  • Spellings – my child reads and practises their spellings while I am making a cup of tea. I read out the spellings to them and then check them as I drink my tea and talk through those they struggled with.

  • We make sure we have set times to do the home learning, for us a Sunday morning and before breakfast works best.

Within our Primary curriculum we encourage the children to read for pleasure as much as they can, this is in addition to the books provided by school as part of our reading curriculum. Click here to see a list of the top 100 books to read by the end of primary.

To support with Maths at home, all children are able to use Numbots and Timetable Rockstars to practise their number skills. Their log in will be in their home/school book. Please click here to see a document with information on how you can support your child with Maths at home.

Below there is a list of links to websites that you may find useful to challenge and enthuse your child with home learning:

https://nrich.maths.org/frontpage

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/

https://www.poetry4kids.com/

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/

https://www.tate.org.uk/kids

https://www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk/

https://www.solitaireparadise.com/games_list/sudoku.html

secondary - year 7 to 11

Homework is crucial for pupils to deepen their understanding, develop essential skills, and take ownership of their learning.

By completing homework independently, students can:

  • Strengthen self-discipline, organisation, and time management.
  • Reinforce and expand on classroom learning.
  • Improve research and study skills.
  • Engage with families as learning partners.

Teachers will assign homework tasks, which will be communicated through the online platform, Class Charts.

Below there is a list of links to websites that you may find useful to challenge and enthuse your child with home learning:

https://nrich.maths.org/frontpage

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.thenational.academy/teachers/key-stages/ks3/subjects

https://www.thenational.academy/teachers/key-stages/ks4/subjects

https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/

https://www.poetry4kids.com/

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone

Reading

In addition to their homework, all pupils should aim to read for at least 20 minutes daily. This enjoyable activity can involve any type of text, from fiction to non-fiction, in print or digital format. Regular reading enhances vocabulary, confidence, and overall academic performance.