Queensferry Primary School

1. Queensferry Primary School Curriculum Evening Wednesday 26th February The school community aims to establish a school in which children, staff and parents strive for excellence in all aspects of learning and life at Queensferry Primary. Our purpose is to encourage the development of our children’s personalities, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.

2. We asked you and the children about homework. Perhaps expecting this: This is what you said:

3. Results of our homework questionnaire – 313 responses collated.

4. pupil responses included: ‘Learn more’ ‘It’s fun’ ‘Helps you get a job when you are older’ ‘Because sometimes you need to practise things’ ‘Because I like homework!’ ‘To improve and practise’ ‘It’s good to learn’ ‘It brings school home with us’ ‘It’s a bit of a challenge’ ‘It helps my learning and knowledge’ ‘Keeps us up-to-date and not forget what we have been learning in class’ ‘Gives us a boost on stuff we have been struggling on’

5. parent responses: Top three reasons: 1. To reinforce/practise learning 2. To share in our child’s learning 3. To see/monitor progress Others included: To develop independence/discipline/work ethic To praise To prepare for high school/the future To support teachers To help with difficult areas To build confidence To build a home school relationship

6. staff responses: We value homework as it provides an opportunity for children to: • Discuss their learning with you • Share school life with you It can provide a 1:1 time just for your child. You can share in our approaches and support your child. And all that was said before.

7. Negative responses:

8. PUPIL RESPONSES: ‘Because we do work all day and that makes us tired at night’ ‘No, because I don’t get to relax!’ ‘Boring!’ ‘We work hard enough at school’ ‘I want to play outside before it gets dark’ ‘Homework is time to do other things like clubs’ ‘It uses up my playing time’ ‘It’s wasting fun time’ • Parent answers were focused on: • The value of family time • Time constraints • The stress associated with homework • Juggling! • Time to play, read, have dinner, socialise, free time, attend clubs, spend time with family.

9. Traditionally we’ve not given homework over the weekend. In general the pattern has been Monday to Thursday/Friday. Would you want the time extended to include Saturday and Sunday?

10. We would always choose reading as a homework activity. We know that a successful child reads well and has good reading habits. Which activities are your favourite for homework? There was a positive response to what we do: reading, maths, spelling/phonics, topics/projects as the responses moved through the school Good variety Commitment level just right‘should be fun, quick recap’ • Reading was a definite – from pupils and parents. • Spelling • Maths (real life work too) • Activities which were active • Research (‘find out rather than fill in’) • Projects/topics

11. Craft activities, building and making fell in to both yes and no categories – were loved or seen as time consuming. Spelling (and maths) also fitted here! Balance: Can complete alone V Things we can all get involved in

12. Are there activities which you would like to see included as homework which aren’t just now? Pupil answer: Games Handwriting practice Making models Colouring in Art/Drawing Puzzles Creative writing Sports Making Acting Using the internet/websites etc. Cooking French Topics/Projects (from younger classes) Parent answer: Letter/word games French/another language Creative writing/handwriting Physical activities Big Maths CD for Spelling More practical work Using the computer Investigations/Problems/Puzzles Current affairs Finding out/researching Outdoor/fitness/sports Creative work Challenging activities

13. Are there any activities which you don’t like as homework? Messy Spelling this is a choice Craft activities fell in to both yes and no we’ll balance this! Activities which parents end up doing and comparing and this! Lengthy homework (and a high level of parental involvement) Tight timescales we don’t plan this and children need to share

14. Are there any activities which you don’t like as homework? When it’s a big project, can other homework be reduced? Yes! Practical projects (unless adequate time) We’ll ensure this and share it! Homework for the sake of it Nobody likes this – teachers included! Can we read our own books instead of shared readers? Yes! Too much cutting, sticking, colouring in. To be planned. Sometimes reading does take a very long time. To be balanced. But sometimes it does - particularly at P6 and P7.

15. Anything else you would like to tell us: Generally covered above – reminders about the reinforcement of family time and other commitments which are important. A schedule of activities with clear instructions (and if possible examples) is appreciated. Children don’t always remember what to do. The schedule for homework will go on the website. Additional support for families too e.g. VCOP, spelling. Frequently asked questions – from our Parent Council. We’re committed to setting homework which can be achieved in 3 nights rather than 4. Each class will share an updated overview.

16. Primary 7 Homework Schedule Term 4 Literacy – reading for enjoyment. Select a film, create an information poster to prepare a talk for the class. Maths – practise skills taught in class, when required. Spelling – practise patterns learned in class with spelling A-Z, when required. Show rehearsals. Optional extras including websites and games to reinforce learning. Term 3 Reading – World War 2 a) Non-fiction Literature Circles. b) Finding fact from fiction. c) Reciting Burn’s Poems. Maths – practise skills taught in class, when required. Spelling – practise patterns learned in class with spelling A-Z. World War 2 – Personal Project and constructing an air raid shelter. Optional extras including websites and games to reinforce learning. Term 2 Reading – Literature Circles Maths – practise skills taught in class. Spelling – practise patterns learned in class with spelling A-Z. Optional extras including websites and games to reinforce learning. Term 1 Reading – Literature Circles Maths – number bonds and times tables Spelling – practise patterns learned in class with spelling A-Z. Optional extras including websites and games to reinforce learning.