Homework matters
Some of you might have spotted an article in the Sunday Times today about a group of parents who have concerns about homework. As part of the article, the newspaper has carried out research on a sample of 80 schools and their homework policies, including that of Scholes (Elmet) Primary., one of our federation schools, whose policy is almost the same as our own.
Articles like this are not especially helpful, especially when they take only a very short extract from our policy: ‘At Scholes (Elmet) Primary School in Leeds parents are contacted “if homework is of a regular poor standard, or . . . regularly not handed in”, according to the website.’
First, it’s not quite accurate. Our policy says: ‘We will communicate to parents/carers if homework is of a regular poor standard, or which is regularly not handed in.’ It would be extremely rare for us to contact parents/carers specifically about homework. Typically, we would wait until parent-teacher consultations or the annual report and make a comment at that point.
Second, the article doesn’t really present the big picture. Our Homework Policy presents a clear rationale for homework, backed up by research evidence. A review of the research around homework indicates that ‘Effective homework is associated with greater parental involvement and support…The broader evidence base suggests that short focused tasks or activities which relate directly to what is being taught, and which are built upon in school.’ We believe our homework tasks achieve this: Talk Time is almost entirely about developing parental involvement and support in a way that is easy to achieve – ideally sitting together over a meal, but possible even in the car or walking to school; Creative homework is designed to let children demonstrate their learning in a way that suits their own ideas and preferences, and one where families can talk about and be involved in to whatever extent they choose. These two, plus the more traditional Practice Makes Perfect homework, are always based on learning that relates directly to what is being taught in school.
The policy also promotes other activities that will enrich children’s childhood: ‘Whilst homework develops children’s learning and independence, quality family time, play and free time are also important. Homework should not prevent children from taking part in wider activities such as those offered by out-of-school clubs and other organisations. Children develop their interests and skills to the full only when parents/carers encourage them to make maximum use of the opportunities available outside school.’
Third, this article was in today’s Sunday Times. Less than four years ago, the same newspaper published a very different article:
‘One of the biggest studies of homework ever carried out proves what every parent has always told their child — knuckling down after school pays dividends. An international study of the homework patterns of 15-year-olds in 65 countries has revealed a clear link between longer homework hours and higher academic performance. “These findings should finally silence sceptics who have argued that homework is bad for youngsters, causing stress and division in families,” said Alan Smithers, professor of education at the University of Buckingham. He called on more schools to take homework seriously by enforcing sanctions when pupils fail to do it.’
It’s a pity that today’s article misses an opportunity to present a more balanced report, even at the expense of referring to its own previous journalism.
Our Homework Policy was developed in consultation with parents/carers. Each year, we consider carefully views expressed in our annual survey – inevitably, some parents/carers feel there is too much but the majority support the current policy.
Achievement Assembly
Well done to all the children who received a certificate in assembly today and to all the Y3/4 children who showed their spectacular, creative homework!
Christmas Cards
Tomorrow, your child will bring home their very own Christmas card they have designed. They will also have an order form so you can order packs of Christmas cards, gift tags, mugs or tea towels. If you would like to purchase any of these items then please complete the form and return to school with the correct payment as soon as possible.
St James' School Choir
Yesterday alongside four other schools, St James’ Choir sang in the Wetherby Arts Festival at St James’ Church. 
The children sang “Lean on Me” in a combined choir and lead the congregation in some of their prayers. Mrs Sharp said, “I received lots of lovely comments at the end about how well the children/young people sang and how lovely it was to welcome them and their families to our Harvest Festival Service.”
The children were a credit to our school and sang their hearts out.
Achievement assembly
Well done to all the pupils who received a certificate in achievement assembly.
Harvest Festival
Thank you to all the parents who came along to the harvest service at St James’ Church this afternoon. The children read out their poems, readings and prayers beautifully.
Our choir will be performing at the Wetherby harvest festival this Sunday in church and as some of you may have seen, we have entered the scarecrow competition!
Here is James, the fisherman!
Open morning for prospective 2019 parents / carers
If you’re looking for a Reception place for your child, we’re holding our open morning on Tuesday 06 November at 9.30am. This is an opportunity for you to come and visit the school, ask any questions you may have, and be shown around by some of our Year 6 children. No appointment needed – just turn up.
Parents' evening coming up
The first of two parent-teacher meetings are coming up soon: 23 October and 25 October. At these meetings, you’ll notice a small change.
In the annual survey of parents and carers, a small number mentioned that they would prefer more frequent updates about their child’s progress. We’ve acted on this by changing when we provide you with the Learning Updates. These were previously given to you at parents’ evening. However, this year, we’ll send these home at the end of the Autumn and Spring terms. This means you’ll have an update at the end of Autumn 1 (the parents’ evening), Autumn 2 (the Learning Update), Spring 1 (the second parents’ evening), Spring 2 (the second Learning Update), and then the end of year report in the Summer.
As always, Miss Beatson will be around to hear your questions, compliments and concerns with these arrangements.
EPOSS Incredible Years parenting course
The EPOSS cluster will be running an Incredible Years Parenting Course starting Friday 09 November at Wetherby Children’s Centre. Please see the attached poster/leaflet for further information.
There is no need to book: parents/carers can just turn up on the first session or ring the number provided on the leaflet if you have any questions.
What wonderful writing!
All classes in school have a class novel on the go. Y5,6 are enjoying the modern classic, Kensuke’s Kingdom this half-term.
This morning, our older children in Y5,6 have been writing a diary entry from a character’s perspective.
Have a read of this great writing – well done, Mya!
…Mya’s not finished the diary yet. If your child is in Y5,6, have a chat with how the diary entry could continue!
