Developing our Homework Policy

1PUBLIC SCHOOLS NSW HOMEWORK POLICY NEALS MAY 2012 WWW.SCHOOLS.NSW.EDU.AU

Developing our Homework Policy

Trinity CE Primary School


Definition

Homework is any task assigned by school teachers intended for children to carry out during non-school hours.


What is the current practice in our school?Last updated Homework Policy 2011. In summary• Low Level; avoid stress on families; allowing children to do activities

out of school without the worry about completing homework.• Emphasis on Reading, Spelling, Maths Worksheets. But more

challenging homework to be given in year 6.• Related to the context of the classroom, matched to children’s

ability, deadlines shared and set and agreed as a year group / phase.

• A few evenings given to allow homework tasks to be completed.


Activity 2: Research

• What does the research say? If parents were to trawl through the research, they’d find little or no evidence of a connection between homework and academic gains in the primary school years. However, supporters of homework claim that homework promotes:

good work habits,

a sense of responsibility,

a connection between school and home, and

an outlook that learning happens everywhere.


3 key considerations

It's important to remember that some people object to homework for reasons that aren't related to the dispute about whether research might show that homework provides academic benefits. They argue that

(a) six hours a day of academics are enough, and

children should have the chance after school to explore other

interests and develop in other ways -- or be able simply to

relax in the same way that most adults like to relax

after work; and

(b) the decision about what children do during

family time should be made by families, not schools.


3 key considerations

When parents take on an active/teaching role and consolidate the skills being taught in the classroom outcomes are improved for Maths and Reading. In contrast to children completing easy tasks independently or struggling to complete more challenging tasks independently.


Activity 2: Research

My belief

that teachers continue to look for ways to make homework relevant, engaging, reinforcing, and independently achievable or challenging with support.

I do not subscribe to the common belief that children must have homework for homework sake;

Homework should be a flexible response to how the child is achieving in the classroom. That parents are a valuable resource to build upon learning if for whatever reason children need to complete tasks, go over tasks, or explore further.


What this might look like.Basic skills of reading spelling and maths should be

given routinely. Consolidation of skills that children need to make progress such as developing their confidence and competency in reading as well as comprehending what they are reading, times tables, spellings, confidence in using the 4 operations

Homework which supports progress of individual children; it is the teacher’s responsibility to decide when homework such as this should be given; not necessarily to all and not necessarily to a timetable.

Optional homework grids are hugely popular in many schools leaving the decision to families and the children themselves who are often inspired to explore and be creative depending upon the options given. These would be tailored to the topic happening in the classroom so that there is relevance and purpose.


Quality

QUALITYEffective homework tasks are:• appropriate for each child’s age and ability.• relevant to each child’s needs and builds on work undertaken in class.• purposeful and designed to meet specific learning goals. • Children who want to do the work; because they love their learning.• clearly stated and requirements made explicit during class time.• varied and challenging, but achievable.• supported by teacher strategies for children who have difficulties

with homework.

The quality of the homework assigned is likely to be more important than the quantity


Manageability

MANAGEABILITY.Homework should: • be manageable for both children and teachers• consider the children and their family when they have other

commitments, such as sport, cultural activities, tuition outside of school hours.

The quality of the homework assigned is likely to be more important than the quantity


Communication

Collaborative

• collaboration in the development of the school’s Homework Policy• provision of clear information between teachers, parents/carers

and children regarding homework expectations and the completion of tasks.

• open communication lines.• guidance and assistance for those having difficulties completing

their homework.

Documents

Developing our Homework Policy