Homework

Lower Phase (Reception to Year 2)

We know parents of our Lower Phase students are very willing to help with their children’s education and only require the tools to do so. This is why we have created the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

What is the VLE? 

BSK uses a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which gives students and parents access online to educational materials and interactive activities. 

The VLE enables us to share information with parents about school events, to outline the learning taking place each week and to provide supportive resources and materials that students can use at home to consolidate and extend their learning independently.

Why should we use the VLE? 

During a week in school many areas of the curriculum are covered. The VLE gives children the opportunity to follow up their learning by identifying areas that they would like to work on for self-improvement or out of curiosity and interest. 

A range of specific/relevant activities will be provided that will enable children to continue their learning at home, consolidating and reinforcing new skills and concepts or challenging themselves to build on developing skills and extend themselves further.

How should the VLE be used?

Every Sunday the learning objectives will be updated and relevant activities displayed. 

Talk with your child about what they have enjoyed learning in the week and where they need further practice and then together select one or two activities to do. 

We do not expect all of the suggested activities on the VLE to be completed.

Junior Phase (Year 3 to Year 5)

Doing homework helps students to practise their skills and shows them how to learn even more. It teaches them to work by themselves and to remember things on their own. The older they get the more they will need to find things out for themselves so we’re also helping you grow up. Junior Phase students are encouraged to their families their homework and to ask for help if you need it. 

Parents, if your child is really stuck and has tried everything with a piece of homework then you should write a note in the planner or send an email to the teacher about it so that the teacher can help your child the next day. We know our parents are very willing to help with their children’s education and only require the tools to do so. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) has the following sections to help parents support their children in their studies:

• In Primary Information you will find information about your child’s timetable. Also in this section you can find Target Booklets – these will provide you with information on the curriculum for each Year Group.
• Each Year Group has an area where weekly curriculum guidance is given, including homework. In this section there is detailed information relating to weekly learning objectives in the core curriculum subjects. When appropriate, assessment information can also be found in this area.
• You will also find sections on the VLE page relating to Arabic, French, Islam, Music, PE and Design Technology.
• On the home page there are links to Year Group Blogs.
• In Junior Phase, the maximum recommended homework times per day are:
  • Year 3: 30 minutes
  • Year 4: 45 minutes
  • Year 5: 1 hour

Secondary Phases (Years 6 to 13)

*Higher Phase teachers may wish to combine shorter homeworks. For example, in Year 10, a subject that meets twice weekly will set homework which is expected to take a total of 60-80 minutes per week. This may be one long homework, with none set for the other lesson, or two shorter homeworks: one for each of the two lessons.

Further details regarding homework in the Middle and Higher phases of the school can be found in the relevant student planners.