Homework

Department's Policy Statement

Schools, in consultation with their communities, are required to develop a school homework policy relevant to the needs of their students. School homework policies must be communicated to staff, students, parents and caregivers, particularly at the time of student enrolment.Homework will be educationally beneficial and will meet the realistic expectations of students, teachers, parents and caregivers.

Context

Homework is a valuable part of schooling. It allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class. Homework provides training for students in planning and organising time and develops a range of skills in identifying and using information resources. Additionally, it establishes habits of study, concentration and self-discipline.

Responsibilities

The principal is responsible for developing and implementing a school homework policy.

Why is homework so important?

Homework bridges the gap between learning at school and learning at home. It reinforces work done in class. It helps develop skills such as research and time management.

Homework helps to establish the habits of study, concentration and self discipline. Parents/caregivers have the opportunity to see the progress of their child. Homework provides challenges and stimulus to gifted and talented children.

'Ideal' homework

The basic rules of homework are that it:

• is appropriate for each student's age and ability
• takes into account students' other commitments, such as sport, part-time employment and home responsibilities
• takes into account technology such as email and the Internet so that students without access are not disadvantaged.

Three types of homework

1. Practice Exercises help students to remember and practice newlu acquired skills - such as memorising mathematical tables, practising spelling words, writing essays and reading for pleasure.
2. Preparatory Homework requires students to source and read background information to prepare them for future lessons on a specific subject - such as reading an article on the Gold Rush in preparation for a lesson in Australian history.
3. Extension Assignments encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively. Assignments may include writing a book review, researching local news or retrieving items from the Internet.

 

Homework for Kindergarten-Year 2

In general, your child will not be expected to complete formal homework in Kindergarten. However, there are things you can do at home to help your child make the most of what they learn in Kindergarten. Reading to Children at Home and involving them in family activities will greatly assist the development of their skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving.

In Years 1 and 2 some formal homework is usually set. For example, students may be asked to complete simple computations, to copy letters or words, or to complete an activity sheet.

An appropriate amount of homework for student in Years 1 and 2 is approximately 15 minutes per night (1 hour per week)

 

Homework for Years 3-6

In general, homework in Years 3-6 will be varied and students will be expected to work more independently. However, teachers will still provide guidance and assistance to students having difficulties completing their homework.

Much of the homework will be in English, Mathematics and Human Society and its Environment. However, it can be set across all areas of the curriculum.

An appropriate amount of homework for student in Years 3 and 4 is approximately 20 minutes per night (80 minutes per week).

An appropriate amount of homework for student in Years 5 and 6 is approximately 25 minutes per night (100 minutes per week).

 

Homework for Support Unit

Teachers of Support Unit students are to take into account the unique requirements of each student in their care. However, a regular program of homework is to be established.

 

Parents will be encouraged to help through

• Taking an active interest in their child's homework.
• Supporting their child in setting aside time each day for homework.
• Providing a dedicated place for homework and study if possible.
• Assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing completed work if requested, and being aware of the amount of homework set.
• Communicating with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework or their child's approach to homework.
• Encouraging their children to read and take an interest in current events.
• Alerting the school to any domestic circumstances or extra curricular activities which may need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or marked.

 

Implementation

Each teacher in the school will be required to establish a homework program for their class. The program implementation is to be conveyed to parents at the beginning of each year.