Home Learning
Homework and Home Learning Challenges 2011
At the end of 2009 the Board of Trustees considered the results of the Homework Survey. The survey indicated a wide range of views on homework and the majority of respondents considered homework important, that it should take place four nights per week for 10–20 minutes and have a focus on reading and basic facts. Tiredness and out of school activities were considered the major barriers to completing homework. The survey results reinforced the existing school procedures but the Board was keen to see new vigour and innovation injected into the homework programme. The board enthusiastically supported a proposal to introduce a Home Learning Programme similar to that adopted by a number of schools throughout NZ. Staff worked to develop a Plimmerton School Home Learning Programme on Teacher Only Day 2010. The new Homework Procedures and Home Learning Programme were trialed throughout 2010 and will continue in 2011.
Homework
The school’s Homework Procedures have been simplified and the only homework set by teachers will be reading and the learning of basic facts for 10 -20 minutes, four nights per week.
Home Learning Programme
The school introduced a Home Learning Programme in 2010. The Home Learning Programme consists of a set of optional home learning challenges for students at each level of the school.
Home Learning Challenges:
• Align home learning to our vision and values and the NZ Curriculum
• Focus on the NZ Curriculum Key Competencies
Thinking,
Using language, symbols and texts,
Managing Self,
Relating to Others and
Participating and Contributing
• Reflect best practice and research
• Focus on community
• Cover 5 areas – Giving, Service, Academic Excellence, The Arts and PE & Environment.
Home Learning Challenges are designed to:
• Be fun, interesting and motivating
• Foster a love for learning
• Collaborate between home, school and the community
• Develop an appreciation of the arts, the environment, giving and others.
• Develop useful and practical skills
• Promote excellence
• Affirm the spirit and intent of the NZ Curriculum
Participation in Home Learning Challenges is optional and when students satisfactorily complete a defined number of challenges they will receive a badge signifying their achievement. To achieve the award students:-
• Must complete a minimum number of challenges – they may choose to do more.
• Complete at least one challenge from each of category.
• May prepare their own challenges. Challenges must be approved by the teacher and parents and be presented on a Task Sheet.
• Meet with the teacher and show that they have completed each challenge to a high standard (self check, parent check and some evidence)
• Must take time to complete each challenge with excellence. Quality is essential.
Parent Support
The Home Learning Programme is designed to provide additional positive learning experiences for students whilst avoiding the stresses commonly associated with traditional homework exercises. Challenges are designed to develop collaboration between home, school and community.
Maurice Laird