Each week, students in years 5 to 7 are set homework. It is expected that students set aside between 60 to 80 minutes for their homework per week. The tasks are designed to consolidate the skills students are working on in class as well as to develop a range of learning skills and habits that will support their learning into the future. These skills include:

  • Time management and planning

Taking the time to think about and plan their week helps our students to meet their commitments. Recording their activities and homework in their diary helps students to consolidate new skills as it frees up the load on the working memory.

Students will be filling out their diary on Monday morning. They will take them home for you to check, to negotiate any changes and to sign. This gives you a good idea of what they need to do and to adjust to unexpected events when they arise. Students will be handing their diaries up to their teacher on Tuesday.

  • Communication skills between themselves, parents and teachers.
  • Showing initiative when problem solving. We understand that life can be unpredictable. These situations give students an opportunity to practice their problem solving skills. It may be that they set aside time before school to do some homework or to negotiate an alternative due date. Teachers in the Middle School Hub are all open to negotiation when it is asked for in a timely manner and the parents are aware.
  • Self-discipline and responsibility.
  • Developing their understanding of how they learn best.
  • Fostering independence.

 

Learning anything worthwhile is hard work and takes commitment. Encouraging your child to embrace the struggle is an important part of their education and the confidence that goes from overcoming challenges is a powerful motivator in a student engaging meaningfully in their learning.

Reading

 

Reading is an essential and complex skill, requiring students to learn, practice and master a range of skills and strategies. Supporting our students to develop a lifelong habit and enjoyment of reading is a key focus of the Middle School Hub. Reading regularly is a fundamental element of your child’s development.

The benefits of reading regularly include:

  • Improved fluency and expression
  • Deepening comprehension
  • Expanding vocabulary
  • Developing writing skills
  • Enhancing communication
  • Building empathy
  • Increasing confidence in academic ability.