1-8 Handbook

In Years 3 and 4 boys receive English, Maths and one other subject as homework each week. In Years 5 to 8 boys receive one subject as homework each day. Our aim is that this homework is completed with increasing independence.

All boys in Years 3 to 8 are expected to read for thirty minutes a day, and to participate in enrichment activities.

Homework is valued as an important part of learning. Therefore, at MTP, in Years 5 to 8 we record Missing Homework . In reflection of the fact that pupils become more confident about their organisation as they mature, Year 5 are allowed one warning for each subject before they receive a Missing Homework sanction. Pupils in Years 6-8 do not receive a warning. When a pupil receives 5 Missing Homework sanctions in a term, a letter will be sent home to his parents to ask them for greater vigilance and support. Were he to acquire 10 Missing Homework Sanctions, he will be placed on a Green Card to allow form tutors to offer practical support in school. Parents will be notified about this by email. Should a pupil miss 10 homeworks in a term, the Assistant Head (Academic) will arrange a meeting with the boy’s parents to discuss strategies for coping better with homework.

Moral and Social Development

In Years 1 and 2 , assembly takes place every day; in Years 3-8 there are two Assemblies a week and daily tutor periods. These are useful times for discussing issues which affect everyone, such as care and consideration for others and the implications of living in a community. It is also a time in which to discuss our Word of the Week (‘friendliness’, ‘responsibility’, ‘compassion’ etc.) and Rule of the Week (speak kindly to each other, try your best etc). Appropriate behaviour is expected in the playground and around the school. It is constantly re-enforced in morning assemblies and in the classrooms by stories, example, role-play and strategies devised and shared by the children. There are two members of staff on duty at playtimes; they watch for unkind or inappropriate behaviour, and can deal with it on the spot. Our care and concern for the happiness and well-being of the children is of prime importance to us all: the general behaviour in the playground reflects this concern.