Homework

Our Approach to Homework

We want homework to be useful, balanced and fair. Research shows it has the most benefit when it is short, clear, and linked to class learning.

What this means at our school:

Purposeful – homework reinforces what children have already learned.
Short & regular – daily reading and simple practice are the focus.
Balanced – we keep homework light, so children still have plenty of time for play, rest and family life. We do not want all our homework to be screen based.

Our Homework Approach to Reading

Reading is the most important homework we set. Daily reading at home has the biggest impact on children’s progress and enjoyment.

Reception & Key Stage 1 (Years R–2)

Read every day for 10–15 minutes.
Children take home a phonics-matched book to practise decoding.
Parents are encouraged to read aloud as well, to build vocabulary and a love of stories.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3–4)

15–20 minutes daily reading at home.
Children read their school book (matched to level) and books of their own choice.
Parents can listen a few times a week and ask simple questions about the story.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6)

20 minutes daily reading at home, mainly independent.
A mix of fiction, non-fiction and poetry is encouraged.
Parents support by talking about characters, themes, and ideas.

Recording Reading

All reading at home should be noted in the reading record provided by school.
Parents are asked to sign and add a brief comment where possible.
Please note: The reading record is for logging reading only. It is not a general communication book.

Parents can help most by making reading part of the daily routine, showing interest, and recording it consistently in the reading record.

Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS)

At WHPS we use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to help children become fluent and confident with multiplication facts. Quick recall is vital for success across maths, and regular practice makes the biggest difference.

Reception & Year 1

Focus is on number patterns and counting.
TTRS is not set as homework but children may explore it for fun.

Year 2

Begin learning 2s, 5s and 10s.
3 short sessions per week (5–10 minutes each).

Year 3

Work towards knowing all tables up to 12 × 12.
Daily practice recommended (5–10 minutes).

Year 4

All tables to 12 × 12 should be secure for the Multiplication Tables Check.
Daily practice (10 minutes) expected.

Year 5

Focus on fluency and speed of recall.
At least 3 sessions a week (10–15 minutes).

Year 6

Times tables should be fully secure by now. The focus is on:

Speed of recall to support arithmetic and problem-solving.
Applying tables confidently in fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and algebra.
Building stamina by completing longer Soundcheck/Studio sessions.

Expectation: 4 short sessions a week (10–15 minutes each).
Teachers may set specific challenges or competitions to keep motivation high.

How parents can help

Encourage short, regular practice rather than long, occasional bursts.
Celebrate effort and improvement in speed or accuracy.
Remind children to try different modes (Garage, Studio, Soundcheck) to stretch themselves.
In Year 6, talk about how times tables link into other maths areas (e.g. fractions, percentages, algebra) so children see their wider importance.

SATs Companion – Year 6 Homework

We use SATs Companion to give children regular practice in the skills they need for their end-of-Key-Stage assessments. It helps build confidence, consolidate class learning, and highlight areas where extra support may be needed.

How it works

Children have their own login and complete tasks set by teachers.
Activities cover maths, reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Teachers track progress and use results to guide classroom teaching.

Homework expectations – Year 6

2–3 short sessions per week (20–30 minutes each).
Tasks will always be linked to recent class learning or revision focus.
Children should complete the set assignments before moving on to optional practice.
Homework is monitored, and teachers will follow up where extra support is needed.

How parents can help

Encourage a calm, regular routine for completing tasks.
Praise effort and perseverance, not just high scores.
If a child finds something difficult, note it down — teachers use this feedback to plan support.
Balance is important: SATs Companion is one part of homework, alongside daily reading and regular Times Tables Rock Stars practice.

Key principles

Little and often works best – regular, short sessions are more effective than long cramming.
Confidence matters – SATs Companion is designed to support learning, not to add stress.
Preparation for secondary – children gain independence by managing their own log-ins, tasks and deadlines.

39 Weeks of Outdoor Homework

At WHPS, we believe learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Spending time outdoors as a family helps children stay active, curious, and connected with the world around them.

This year, we’re setting a different kind of homework challenge: 39 fun outdoor activities — one for every week of the school year.

The aim isn’t to “tick off” every task perfectly, but to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors together, make memories, and see everyday experiences as learning opportunities.

Choose activities in any order, at any time, and tick them off as you go.

Go on a leaf hunt – find as many different shapes and colours as you can.
Collect natural treasures (stones, shells, sticks) and make a display at home.
Try a mini-beast hunt in the garden or park.
Make bark rubbings with crayons and paper.
Spot cloud shapes and talk about what they look like.
Find five things in nature beginning with the same letter.
Go on a seasonal walk and notice how plants and trees are changing.
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Create an obstacle course in the garden or park.
Play a traditional game (hopscotch, tag, skipping).
Ride bikes or scooters together.
Fly a kite on a windy day.
Try a family fitness circuit (star jumps, sprints, balance).
Learn a new outdoor game from another culture.
Make a picture from natural materials (leaves, sticks, petals).
Build a den from sticks or blankets.
Write your names or a message with pebbles.
Try outdoor chalk art on the pavement.
Create a short family nature poem inspired by what you see.
Take outdoor photographs and make a mini gallery at home.
Stargaze on a clear night and spot constellations.
Track the phases of the moon for a week.
Measure shadows at different times of day.
Make a simple weather diary for a week.
Float and sink test with natural objects.
Spot and name birds in your local area.
Plant a seed outdoors and watch it grow.
Explore a local park you haven’t visited before.
Visit a local landmark or historical site.
Go on a treasure hunt (parents hide clues).
Walk a new route to school or around the neighbourhood.
Take part in a local community or nature event.
Share a picnic outdoors.
Cook or toast something safely outside (e.g. marshmallows, hot chocolate in a flask).
Read a book together outdoors.
Play “I spy” in a natural setting.
Spend time outdoors with no devices — just talk and notice what’s around you.
Make a map of your garden, street, or local park.
Try a random act of kindness outdoors (pick up litter, feed the birds, help a neighbour).