Homework

As a Roman Catholic school, we recognise that parents and carers are the first educators of their children. We value the vital role they play in their child's education and are committed to working in partnership with families to support the spiritual, personal and academic development of every pupil, ensuring that all children are able to make good progress and achieve their full potential.

At St Sebastian’s RC Primary School, we believe that well-designed homework plays a meaningful role in supporting children's learning and development. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that when homework is purposeful and closely linked to classroom learning, it can lead to improved outcomes.

We focus on setting tasks that:

Reinforce key skills and knowledge taught in class
Encourage independent thinking and responsibility
Foster good study habits and time management
Involve parents in their child’s learning journey in a supportive way

Effective homework does not need to be lengthy—it’s the quality that counts. Short, focused tasks such as reading, practising number facts, or reviewing key concepts help children consolidate their learning. We also offer a homework club to ensure all pupils have access to a supportive space to complete their work.

Our aim is to make homework a positive and enriching experience that complements classroom teaching and helps every child thrive.

EYFS

A homework activity sheet is sent home at the beginning of each half-term via Tapestry. The homework contains a variety of activites based around the theme for the half term.

We ask parents to share homework on Tapestry or the children may bring in their homework to share in class.

EYFS staff will also upload weekly activities to Tapestry for parents to access and use to support their child's learning.

IN nursery, a book to share will be sent home each week for parents to read to their child each evening.

In Reception, phonics reading packs are sent home daily. These change weekly. We expect children to read for 5 minutes every evening. We ask parents to sign the reading record to show which pages have been read. Pupils should have their reading book (reading pack in KS1) in school every day as adults in school may read with them.

KS1 (Years 1 and 2)

Curriculum Topics and Religious Education

At the beginning of each half term, pupils will receive a homework activity sheet, which will also be published on the school website. The sheet contains a range of activities linked to the curriculum topics and Religious Education themes being studied during the half term. These activities are designed to encourage pupils to extend their learning beyond the classroom and engage with their studies in a creative and meaningful way.

Pupils may complete and return activities at any point during the half term.

Reading

In Key Stage 1, phonics reading packs are sent home daily and are updated weekly. Once pupils have completed the school's phonics programme, they will be provided with a reading book matched to their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), ensuring that texts are appropriately challenging and support continued progress in reading.

Pupils are expected to read for approximately 10 minutes each evening. In addition to their reading book or phonics pack, children will regularly select books from both the class library and the school library to promote a love of reading and encourage reading for pleasure. Library books are changed weekly.

Parents and carers are asked to sign their child's reading record to indicate that reading has taken place and to record the pages read. Pupils should bring their reading book or phonics reading pack to school every day, as opportunities to read with adults are provided throughout the school day.

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

Pupils will be set weekly spelling, punctuation and grammar activities to complete in their homework books.

Spellings are provided fortnightly and are linked to both the National Curriculum spelling objectives and current English learning. Pupils are also encouraged to access Spelling Shed to support the development of their spelling skills. Each pupil is provided with an individual login to access this resource at home.

Mathematics

Pupils will be set a weekly mathematics activity linked to current learning in class. This activity is intended to consolidate and reinforce mathematical understanding and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

All mathematics homework should be completed in pupils' homework books and returned in accordance with the guidance provided by the class teacher.

KS2 (Years 3-6)

Curriculum Topics and Religious Education

Pupils may complete and return activities at any point during the half term.

Reading

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

Pupils will be set weekly spelling, punctuation and grammar activities to complete in their homework books.

Mathematics

All mathematics homework should be completed in pupils' homework books and returned in accordance with the guidance provided by the class teacher.

In addition, pupils are expected to practise their multiplication tables regularly using Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS). Each pupil is provided with an individual login to access the platform. Regular engagement with TTRS supports the development of rapid recall and fluency in times tables, helping pupils to build confidence and achieve greater success in mathematics.

Other Opportunities to learn from home

TTRS

Pupils have access to Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to practice their times tables. Each child has a unique login to TTRS. The more the children practise, the better they will become.

Purple Mash

Purple Mash is a cloud-based platform that provides primary-aged children with creative and educational software tools, games, and resources for subjects like writing, coding, and art. The platform also includes an add-on library called Serial Mash for digital fiction books. Each child has a unique login to Purple Mash.

From time to time, other homework opportunities for learning wil be provided by school that link to the school curriculum.

Reading for Pleasure

Developing a love of reading is fundamental to a child's educational success and personal development. Parents and carers are encouraged to read with their child regularly and to continue sharing books aloud, regardless of their child's age or reading ability.

Listening to an adult read helps to develop vocabulary, comprehension and a lifelong enjoyment of literature. Reading together also provides valuable opportunities for discussion and quality family time. Establishing regular reading routines, such as sharing a book at bedtime, can support children's wellbeing and contribute positively to healthy sleep habits.