Prep/Homework

Prep is a great opportunity to rehearse key skills. If your child experiences any problems with prep, please put a note of explanation in the prep book or reading record. We do not expect children to struggle for hours on a task that they are finding difficult. Similarly, there is little benefit in looking at a piece of work that has more parental than child input!

The prep diary, and/or reading record should be completed daily and signed by parents. In addition to the homework task, all pupils are encouraged to read for at least ten minutesat home. Parents can play an important part in this by listening to their children read aloud on a regular basis and discussing the story with them. Pupils up to Upper Shell have a reading record which is filled in regularly. All pupils are expected to have a current reading book available at all times. If a child is unable to complete a prep for any reason, it should be noted in the prep diary or a note sent to the Form Teacher.

Key Stage 1

Pupils in Key Stage 1 are expected to learn spellings and to read at home on a daily basis—it is expected that these tasks would take approximately the following amount of time:

Lower Transition - 15 minutes per day

Upper Transition - 20 minutes per day

Key Stage 2

All Key Stage 2 classes (with the exception of Upper Shell) are given weekly prep on Thursdays, which should be handed in by the following Thursday. The school does not normally give out prep over the school holidays, but there are always voluntary tasks and Mathletics available to do.

Tasks set on a weekly basis will be English, Maths and topic work. Pupils will also be required to practise spelling/spelling shed and tables as well as read on a daily basis in addition to the homework tasks.

It is expected that these tasks would take approximately the following amount of time:

Lower Prep - 3x15 minutes + 10 minutes reading time

Upper Prep - 4x15 minutes + 10 minutes reading time

Lower Shell - 4x20 minutes + 10 minutes reading time

Upper Shell - The pupils will be set prep on different days during the week. The teacher states when the task is due and this can range from the next lesson to weeks (for project work). This is more in line with the Senior School system and provides pupils with a smooth transition when they transfer to the Senior School. The pupils will always have at least two days to complete tasks. Additional voluntary family activities, including the Keystones tasks, may also be suggested to encourage independent learning, family wellbeing and the development of a growing curiosity about the world around us.