Queensmead Quests       

Regular homework is a great way to support the learning that goes on in class and at Queensmead we encourage all pupils to complete our Queensmead Quests - a range of activities that pupils can complete at home that relate to what they are learning in class. These Quests could be a piece of writing, maths activities or making or drawing something. Lots of families take huge pride in creating models or sculptures which are then displayed in the library area. Encourage your child use their imagination and create something unique. We can't wait to celebrate your child's homework!

                            

'I like having the choice to pick which quests I want to do.'                  

Government Guidelines on Homework

Government guidelines on homework give a broad indication of the type of activities and how much time pupils of different ages might reasonably be expected to spend on homework.

For children in primary schools, the guidelines are:

Years 1 and 2: 1 hour per week

Years 3 and 4: 1.5 hours per week

Years 5 and 6: 30 minutes per day

However, the guidelines emphasise that it is more important that homework helps your child to learn than whether it takes a certain amount of time. The guidelines encourage schools to plan homework carefully alongside the work children do at school, and to make sure that all activities are appropriate for individual children.

 

Reading At Home

An essential part of homework from the Foundation Stage to Year 6 is regular reading. At Queensmead, we recommend daily reading with your child. This year, we have introduced online reading records using QR codes which link directly to a Microsoft Form where you can record your child's name, the book they are reading and a short comment. At the start of the year, each child is given a bookmark with a unique class QR code sticker attached. If you have any questions about the online reading record, please ask your child's class teacher.         

For tips to support your child's reading at home, follow this link to a BBC Bitesize article:

How to support your child's reading at home - BBC Bitesize                                                  

 

Online Activities

Purple Mash

As a school, we subscribe to an online learning platform called Purple Mash. Every child in school has their own individual login and password and can access hundreds of games, activities and learning resources in a completely secure and safe way. Please ask your teacher if you are not sure of your login details.   

Please follow this link to log in:  Purple Mash by 2Simple          

Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots!    

A very popular online resource is Times Tables Rock Stars. Each child has their own login and password to access the online times tables games. Times Tables Rock Stars is a fun and challenging programme designed to help children master the times tables. The children choose their own avatar and can play against other children in the academy. For every correct answer, they earn virtual coins and can spend these in the avatar shop. We often hold Times Tables battles between the classes. Will your child help their class to earn the most coins and win the battle?

With the same login details, your child can access NumBots. NumBots is another popular resource designed to secure basic addition and subtraction facts.

To find out more about both online resources, follow this link to our Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots page: 

Queensmead Primary Academy - Times Tables Rock Stars & NumBots