PURPOSE

To set clear guidelines for students, staff and parents on the purpose, place and type of homework or home learning that is expected at Woodend Primary School.

SCOPE

To explain the basic rationale and expectations for homework from Reception to Year 7 

OBJECTIVES

To make clear to students and families the processes of communication about the types and extent of homework or home learning that they can expect at each level of school. 

RATIONALE

Learning is developmental and ongoing and can occur in many different ways and places. Students learn by doing, seeing, trying and practicing at home, at school, in the playground, in the community and with friends. Learning at school is one part of the learning continuum. After learning at school, it is essential for children of all ages to play, relax and join in other activities such as sport, visiting friends and family and participating in hobbies, clubs and community events. There are also experiences and activities that students can undertake at home that support, reinforce and add value to the specific learning they do at school. Homework time can be enjoyable for parents and help build an understanding of the learning journey.

Homework should be: 
• appropriate to the student's skill level and age 
• purposeful, meaningful and relevant to the curriculum 
• interesting, challenging and when appropriate open ended 
• balanced with a range of recreational, family and cultural activities.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2

Homework will concentrate on building early literacy and numeracy skills. 

YEARS 3 TO 5

Homework will focus on development and consolidation of literacy and numeracy skills. It also supports developing sound study habits and some may include some preparatory or consolidation work for the learning in the classroom.  

YEAR 6 AND 7

Homework may consist of longer term pieces of learning linked to the class program and requiring students to practise and develop skills in time management, organisation, self-discipline and self-direction. There may also be some time needed for development and consolidation of specific skills and completion of class work for some students. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

• Advise parents of homework expectations at the beginning of the school year and provide them with a copy of the homework policy via the school website / blog. 
• Ensure that all teachers provide clear guidelines about the quantity and type of homework that will be set for their classes at the beginning of the year. 
• Support staff to follow up with parents if a student regularly fails to complete homework. 
• Develop strategies within the school to support parents and carers become active partners in homework.

PARENTS

Parents and carers can help students with their homework by: 
• setting aside a regular time and a designated homework area, limiting distractions and acknowledging success 
• checking school and class communications regularly 
• helping to balance the time spent between homework and recreational activities 
• encouraging children to have a try and put effort into their homework. 
• using homework to help develop their child’s organisational skills and sense of responsibility 
• supporting homework through discussion and linking it to previous experiences 
• refraining from completing homework for the child 
• discussing homework with their child in their first language, if English is not the main language spoken at home 
• linking homework and other learning activities to the families’ culture, history and language. 

Parents are asked to communicate with teachers about: 
• any circumstance which impacts on a child’s ability to complete homework 
• situations where a child appears to be spending excessive amounts of time or minimal time on homework. 
• If the child is regularly distressed when doing homework. 

On occasions, students will be required to complete work at home due to off task behaviour during the day. If incompletion of homework becomes a pattern, parents will be invited in for an interview. 

TEACHERS

Teachers can help students with their homework by: 
• setting varied, challenging and meaningful tasks related to classroom learning 
• giving students enough time to complete homework, considering home obligations and extracurricular activities 
• assessing homework where appropriate and providing timely and practical feedback and support 
• helping students develop organisational and time-management skills. 

STUDENTS

Students should support their own learning at home by: 
• ensuring they understand homework requirements 
• ensuring they are organised with all materials required 
• talking with their parents about the homework expectations 
• letting their teacher know if they are unable to complete homework for any reason 
• handing in their homework when expected 
• putting effort into their homework and setting a high standard for work done at home. 

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

• The homework policy will be shared and explained to all staff as part of the initial induction at the beginning of each year. 
• Governing Council and staff will review the policy on a regular basis or as questions and concerns are raised by significant numbers of parents, students or staff. 
• Current research will aid this process.

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

 • The Australian Curriculum – Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting Policy for Reception – Year 10 - Learner Wellbeing Framework for Birth to Year 12 10. 
• Homework Policy Research Scan – Public Schools NSW 
• Woodend Primary School Homework Survey summary