At Goldsmith, we want parents and carers to be involved in their child’s education in order to help us as a community, share successes in learning. We believe that children who learn at home routinely, are likely to make improved progress in areas studied away from school. (EEF, 2021)
EYFS - In early years, tasks relating to child led play and sharing play with grown ups are set half termly. These will be set on the first Friday of each half term. This is due to be returned by the final Wednesday of every half term. These are set using the internal communication system, Class Dojo and home learning is returned to school, using the message function or class email addresses:
KS1 - In KS1, children are set weekly tasks using the Class Dojo platform. Children are directed to one weekly task using Numbots or Times Table Rock Stars and one weekly task using Spelling Shed related to the spellings taught that week. There will also be either a Maths or English based task, set in alternate weeks. In addition to this, staff may choose to send tasks which support pupils’ individual targets or IEP/IBP. In year 2, during the spring and summer terms, teachers will set frequent revision material to support pupils in preparation for their national tests. Evidence of home learning can be returned through Class Dojo or by sending to the class email addresses:
KS2 - In KS2, children begin to use Google Classroom. Here children are directed to one weekly task using Times Table Rock Stars and one weekly task using Spelling Shed related to the spellings taught that week. There will also be either a Maths or English based task, set in alternate weeks. In addition to this, staff may choose to send tasks which support pupils’ individual targets or IEP/IBP. In year 6, during the spring and summer terms, teachers will set frequent revision material to support pupils in preparation for their national tests. All work set should be returned to class teachers using the Google Classroom. Pupils can also send evidence of other home learning activities to the class email addresses:
When is it set?
EYFS - Home Learning is set half-termly, on the first Friday of a half term. Feedback from parents is expected no later than the last Wednesday of every half term.
KS1 and 2 - Home learning is set weekly on a Friday and returned online by the following Wednesday. Should students be unable to complete home learning at home, they will be invited to home learning clubs held one lunchtime per week.
Children regularly completing Home Learning activities, will make better than expected progress in the core curriculum. This will also support them in making better than expected progress in the wider curriculum. Internal progress and attainment data, will be compared with pupils’ engagement data.
Weekly - Teachers track work completed and will offer feedback on Home Learning Tasks completed.
Half-Termly - Pupils who complete all Home Learning will be entered into a prize draw.
Termly - Following assessment, pupils’ home learning record and attainment data will be triangulated. Underperforming students with a poor home learning record will be encouraged to attend home learning clubs.
Annually - Pupils entered into all six prize draws, will be given a reward day, during school time.
We aim for all pupils to be able to access home learning at an appropriate level. All pupils who receive reasonable adjustments in order to access a computer in school or have specific needs as documented on their IEP or EHCP will have those adjustments made. In addition, teachers may choose to set additional tasks for pupils in receipt of an IEP or EHCP which directly impact on targets set. Pupils who are unable to access a computer at home will be given the opportunity to complete home learning in weekly home learning clubs, run at lunch time. If pupils complete home learning during this time, they will still qualify for entry to the prize draws. Should pupils decline to take part in home learning, parents will be contacted in order to further the home-school relationship and explain the necessity to complete additional home study. In a very small number of cases, teachers may be required to print tasks where every reasonable attempt has been made to engage the pupil online.