Homework Policy:

The concept of “Homework for all students is supported by the Department of Education and Training”.

School Manual (15.1.2.)

DEFINITION

Homework includes all those aspects of school work intended to consolidate, extend or enrich the school program that are completed in the home environment.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Homework should be a purposeful learning experience which may consolidate, extend or enrich the school’s program. It should be a stimulating and appropriate experience which is seen by the child as deserving attention outside school hours.

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. However, it should be remembered that children have an active and tiring day at school and that they need free time for enjoyment and play. Homework should not intrude into these activities.

Similarly, teachers recognise the fact that due to family commitment, or the child’s participation in activities such as dance, scouts, sport etc., it may sometimes be difficult for a child to complete homework. If this arises the child will be excused for that period.

In early years of school homework will be done by promoting informal optional experiences, e.g., reading books, collecting items, etc. More formal homework programs will be introduced when the needs of individual children are more clearly identified and schooling is more structured.

Approximate time to be allocated to homework daily;

Year 1 15 minutes
Year 2 20 – 30 minutes
Year 3/4 30 – 40 minutes
Year 5/6 45 minutes to 1 hour

THREE TYPES OF HOMEWORK

1. Practice exercises helps students to remember and practice newly acquired skills – such as memorizing mathematical tables, practicing 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.

May, 2008