Homework Policy
30/12/2007
Program Co-ordinator: Judy Foley
Purpose
Appropriate homework can reinforce class work and enhance learning.
Homework can provide parents with an insight into the educational experiences of their child
Homework provides opportunities for students to develop self-discipline and personal responsibility
Broad Guidelines
- Homework should relate to the class or specialist program.
- Individual learning needs and abilities should be considered when setting homework.
- Students should have a clear understanding of the work assigned and the procedure to be followed.
- Class teachers shall write a homework statement for distribution to parents at information nights early in the school year. The statement will address – home reading, time expected on homework, who will correct, supervision, assistance and the routine to be followed.
- Individual parents may negotiate variations to set homework with their child’s teacher.
- All teachers who set homework for a particular class should confer so as to avoid overloading students with homework.
Types of homework should be varied and different presentations encouraged.
Homework
- may include spelling practice, vocabulary exercises, maths tables, maths problems, projects, creative writing, recorder practice etc.
- Homework should not be used as a punishment or merely for the sake of it.
- Completed homework should receive positive responses from teachers and parents.
- A firm commitment of support is required from parents of children involved in Reading Recovery, Bridging the Gap and Forward Together . Parents are provided with a range of ideas and support which enable them to become more involved with their children’s reading and writing, at home and as a team with the school.
Recommended Time for Homework
Junior school – no formal homework but parents are encouraged to read with their children regularly.
Middle school – up to 30 minutes per week. Reading is an extra (recommended as 3 times a week for 10 – 15 minutes).
Upper school – One hour per week. (This may include learning spelling words each week, a weekly maths sheet or projects).
