Homework is set regularly for the purpose of consolidating work learnt during school hours.
Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning and develop patterns of behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. Homework needs to have some consistency across the year level and the requirements need to be clearly communicated to parents/care-givers.
Objectives:
Homework is designed to establish a routine of study that encourages students to be lifelong learners.
Homework provides students with the opportunity to consolidate learning appropriate to learning needs
Homework needs to be clearly related to class work, be purposeful and appropriate to the capability of the student
Homework must be marked and students need to see that it is marked and it is expected that they complete the work assigned. This is then recorded on the Student Report Card.
Responsibilities:
Teachers are responsible for
providing clear class homework procedures, as well as ensuring the consistent application and management of these procedures
designing modified homework tasks and activities that cater for the abilities of all students at each end of the academic spectrum
encouraging and acknowledging the completion of homework
officially marking and providing timely feedback to students and parents
discussing with parents any developing problems concerning their child’s homework
suggesting strategies to assist with their homework
providing homework which is differentiated and appropriate to learning needs
providing support to students to assist with their homework, e,g, before school, lunchtimes
Students are responsible for
taking responsibility for their own learning by accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time frames
handing in homework on time, completed.
Parents are responsible for
assisting their child meet homework requirements. Ways to do this include discussing key questions, directing them to resources, on-line research and activities to support the learning, reading to them and involving them in tasks at home.
liaising with the teacher around difficulties their child is experiencing
Procedures:
Every week, homework is to include activities focusing on language features (e.g. punctuation, spelling, grammar) and mathematical operations. It is expected that all children do homework and teachers work to facilitate this. Regular independent reading will develop sound study habits and support a child’s learning.
As a general guide homework should not take any longer than the following guidelines. It is expected that reading of home readers or self-selected books and magazines etc., learning spelling and number facts is a component of the homework routine.Reading Eggs, Mathletics and online learning programs can deliver homework tasks in a simple and effective way.
Homework only needs to be given over 4 nights.
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Not more than 1 hour per week | Not more than 2 to 3 hours per week | Not more than 3 to 4 hours per week |
Conclusion
This homework policy supports the view that student homework helps establish a positive routine of regular, independent study. It also provides opportunities for students to maintain a balanced afterschool lifestyle where they are able to take part in activities with parents and friends and to develop interests in other areas.