Homework Policy

INTRODUCTION

Homework is a partnership between school and home and consequently it is important to note that:

• children and families have many commitments
• work set should be easily supervised by parent/carer
• homework should not involve excessive demands on families for facilities, reference material, time or expertise
• reading is a valued and integral part of homework and commences in Reception
• not all children will complete the set work in the same time

RATIONALE

School homework is set to:

• develop study habits and routines
• encourage independence, responsibility, organizational skills and time management skills
• support regular communication between home and school
• give parents an insight into their child’s school learning
• reinforce schoolwork by practising skills eg. reading, spelling, tables,etc
• encourage the use of a variety of resources available outside the school environment eg. local libraries, interviews and surveys.

EXPECTATIONS

Homework tasks are many and varied and may include such learning activities as reading, spelling, tables practise, research or follow-up work commenced in the classroom, etc. At all levels of schooling homework may be set up to 4 nights per week (Mon-Thurs) with week-ends free unless work needs to be completed.

Time to be spent on homework

• Reception to Year 2 5-10 minutes per night (essentially reading)
• Year 3 – Year 5 10-20 minutes per night
• Year 6 & 7 20-30 minutes per night

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teachers are responsible for:

• reviewing guidelines and expectations with students and parents at the beginning of each school year
• providing homework which is interesting, challenging and appropriate to each student’s ability
• providing a balance of open-ended, creative and practise activities which focus on different curriculum areas
• giving clear, explicit instructions and feedback
• being consistent in their approach and expectations towards homework
• teaching the necessary skills needed to enable students to complete homework tasks
• providing all students with a diary/communication book to encourage organisation, self-responsibility and two-way communication.

Parents are responsible for:

• providing an environment where encouragement, assistance and some supervision are provided
• respecting the child’s knowledge, skills and achievements
• communicating with the teacher about any homework issues eg. write a note if homework couldn’t be done; alert the teacher if student is taking significantly more than the above time limits.

 Students are responsible for:

• accepting responsibility for the organisation and completion of set homework tasks to the best of their ability
• asking for help from the teacher or family if necessary
• ensuring the work is handed in when required.