Homework at Westgate
At Westgate, homework is intended to reinforce and enrich children’s learning. It will always link with what your child is learning in school and gives them the chance to complete some supported or independent tasks at home.
Homework provides opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s learning, develops the Westgate Values of responsibility and independence and gives children the all important chance to practise and consolidate skills.
Different year groups have slightly different expectations for homework which will be listed on this page.
How can you help?
- Provide a quiet area for your child to complete their homework.
- Offer help and encouragement including reminding them to meet any deadlines.
- Take an interest in what they are learning and encourage them to take pride in their work.
- Ask your child’s class teacher if there are any problems or you have any questions regarding their homework.
What homework is set at Westgate?
English:
Home reading is very important and takes high priority at Westgate. Children have access to a wide range of different books and are expected to read at least three times a week.
In Reception and KS1, children’s home reading books are linked to the phonics lessons in school. Children will take home two books: one book is kept for at least two home reads so children can build their reading fluency. The second book is a 'reading for pleasure' book which is chosen by each child to share at home with an adult. The intention is for an adult to read the book to the child, making these an ideal bed time story choice. Alongside their reading books, children will also bring home Phonics mats or activities which the children should use to practise rapid recognition of the letters and sounds they have been taught. Children may also have spellings provided for them to practise at home.
In KS2, children’s home reading books are linked to their reading ability. Children can complete online quizzes in school using AR Reader to check their understanding of what they have read. There are also KS2 phonic books with a higher interest level for those children that are working on building their reading skills.
In Reception & Key Stage One, each class has a book worm to encourage and reward reading at home. In Key Stage Two, children can earn Reading Miles with rewards for the class with the most miles.
In Year 5 and 6, there may be some additional English homework set to develop targeted key skills and to start to prepare children for the increased homework expectations at high school.
Maths:
In Reception and Year 1, children are to complete Numbots as their homework. This interactive game focuses on key number skills in a fun and engaging way. Children complete sessions set by the class teacher and can use rewards to build their own ‘Numbot’. Click on the link below to access the website. Your child's class teacher will send home their login details.
In Years 2-6, Maths homework is set through Times Table Rockstars. Children play different times-table games to earn rewards to develop their own ‘rockstar’. Class teachers will set a number of sessions for the children to complete each week to build their confidence in this key skill. Click on the link below to access the website. Your child's class teacher will send home their login details.
In Year 5 and 6, there may be some additional Maths homework set to develop targeted key skills and to start to prepare children for the increased homework expectations at high school.
Wider Curriculum:
Although there is not regular homework in the wider curriculum, there may be times where teachers may ask for a special task or activity to be completed at home. This will be clearly communicated to parents/carers with key details of the task.
