Homework at Norbreck Primary Acedemy

At Norbreck Primary Academy, we believe that homework should reinforce the essential skills that support children’s long-term success, both academically and personally. Our homework approach is simple yet impactful, focusing on three key elements: daily reading, spellings, and Maths KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts). By keeping homework purposeful and manageable, we aim to support learning at home while fostering positive habits that will benefit our pupils throughout their education and beyond.

Research shows that regular, focused practice—especially through repeated exposure to core knowledge like spellings and mathematical facts—strengthens memory and deepens understanding. This consistent revisiting helps children move vital information into their long-term memory, building a strong foundation for more complex learning.

In EYFS, the focus is on developing early reading skills through phonics, which includes learning and recognising sounds. As a result, children in EYFS will not have weekly spelling lists to learn at home. However, they will have Maths KIRFs for each term to support their early number development. In Year 1, the focus will be on consolidating early reading and spelling through the Little Wandle Phonics Scheme. The tricky words for each term will be uploaded to the website so they can be practised at home. From Year 2 onwards, spellings will also be available each week via Spelling Shed, where children can practise through fun, interactive games and try to climb the leaderboard with Spelling Shed points.

Spellings will be introduced each Monday in class and revisited throughout the week using a variety of engaging activities to help children learn and retain them. A short spelling check will take place every Friday to monitor progress and celebrate success. Each week, spellings will also be uploaded to your child’s Spelling Shed account by their class teacher. Here, children can practise their spellings through a range of fun and interactive games—and even try to climb the leaderboard by earning Spelling Shed points!

On this page, you’ll find a link to your child’s spellings and Maths KIRFs for the entire term, allowing you to support learning at home at your own pace. While we do not expect written evidence of spelling or maths practice, we are always delighted to see children’s hard work if they choose to share it with their teacher. Ultimately, the real evidence will be in your child’s growing confidence and progress over time.