Home Learning
General Information

Fraser’s Quest – Home Learning Programme       
Fraser's Quest 2010 Survey            

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

In 2009 the school reviewed its Home work programme and found that many students, parents and teachers had concerns with the overall programme, furthermore our Home work programme did not align with either our school vision FRASER or the New Zealand Curriculum. Research has shown there is no link between homework and improved outcomes for learners in primary schools and that homework does not have a significant effect on pupil achievement in primary schools.Reading and basic facts learning, when worked on at home, do however have an effect so we will continue with these. 

In place of homework we are introducing a Home Learning Programme which has 2 parts, a compulsory [Y0 – 6] Literacy and Numeracy focus and an optional Quest programme which takes account of the excellent work our children already do by participating in a range of out of school activities such as dance, music, sports etc. 

We are very excited to introduce our Fraser’s Quest Programme in 2010.

Fraser’s Quest is open to all students at Fraser Crescent School from Y0/1 to Y6 and is a six year programme. The attached Information sheet outlines the 60 Quests that students will have a chance to work through during their six years at Fraser Crescent School and the Fraser Quest Home Learning Programme is totally optional. Our aim is to provide our students with the opportunity to excel in our Fraser Values and align them with areas of appropriate academic and physical challenge.

FRASER Values and Home Learning Contexts

Students may complete quests from any category.

In all categories there are pre- determined challenges as well as a “Design your own challenge” option. They may do more quests than the stated minimum, but the emphasis is on quality not quantity.

Structure of the programme

• The programme is designed to be 100% home based, as you will see from the quests, and parents are encouraged to be involved in the process and share responsibility for checking the progress of your child.
• The key to the success of the Fraser’s Quest Awards is the doing of the quest and the feeling of achievement that this creates. Students are encouraged to bring their Home Learning Journal to their teacher for checking before, during and after each quest has been completed.
• Students may keep a record of their completed quest using the Quest Planning Sheet and/or use photographs or share examples of their completed quest to their class or the school.

 The following schedule shows the minimum number of challenges required to achieve a FRASER Quest Award by the end of the year

The Fraser’s Quest Award has been designed to encourage and develop:

• Positive attitudes at school and at home
• The ability to set and work towards short and long term goals
• Partnership and participation
• Risk taking with respect and responsibility
• Integrity, innovation and inquiry
• Diversity and determination
• Personal best
• Physical well being
• Academic excellence
• Excellence in the Arts
• Positive work habits

In the first year the Awards and the content are in draft version.  Attached is the first draft. We will be seeking feedback from children as the year progresses. 

The Fraser’s Quest Award was officially launched in Week 2 Term 1 and interested students have been provided with a Quest Brochure at their appropriate level. If your child did not receive a brochure one can be picked up from outside the school office.

We are very excited by the possibilities provided by this programme and look forward to seeing your children achieve excellence in these areas.

If you have any queries please contact Michelle Picard or Nycki Proctor.

Regards

Fraser Crescent School Staff