Rationale
Warnbro Primary believes that a planned homework programme produces higher levels of student achievement and can enhance the student’s growing independence as a learner. We value the involvement of parents as partners in their children’s education.
As students progress through primary school the amount of time dedicated to homework will steadily increase. However, primary students still have a need for physical activity, family life and rest. Thus homework should seldom exceed the recommended times as set by this policy.
Aims
Homework should
- Develop, reinforce and practice skills to support recent classroom learning.
- Be a simple extension of tasks associated with classroom activities.
- Assist students in developing independent learning skills.
- Support students to develop good time management and organisational skills.
- Further the partnership between school and home.
- Be integral to teaching, learning and assessment. i.e.; inform the next steps in teaching and learning.
- Teach the students to plan ahead for homework and to develop a regular cycle of revision.
Responsibilities of the teacher
- Be aware of the school’s homework policy and ensure it is implemented and followed.
- Sets homework each night that is relevant; of an appropriate level; and suitable for the resources available to students.
- Makes clear to students the requirements of homework tasks, including links to classroom activities and provides additional help to students as needed.
- Mark homework and provide timely and practical feedback and support.
Responsibilities of the Parents
- Be aware of and support the school homework policy.
- Encourage their child complete homework to the best of their ability.
- Provides a suitable environment and resources for homework.
- Communicate concerns to the teacher, via written or verbal means.
- Follows up homework in a diary, where applicable.
Responsibilities of the Students
- Be aware of the school’s homework policy.
- Takes homework home and brings it back to school.
- Ensure parents/carers are aware of the school’s homework policy.
- Clearly communicate their expectations for homework to parents and students at the beginning of each year.
- Ensure homework that is set is understood and is able to be completed by the student.
- Be mindful of circumstances that may prevent a child from completing homework tasks.
- Seek feedback from students about set homework tasks, including frustration levels.
- Support your child to develop an age appropriate level of independence in completing homework;
- Encourage, praise and provide guidance and support as is required.
- Contact the relevant teacher/s to discuss any concerns about homework.
- Submit any completed homework, according to the instructions of the teacher, when expected;
- Discuss any difficulties they are experiencing with homework with their teacher/s; and
- Follow up on comments made by their teacher.
Homework options in Kindergarten to Year 2 may include the following:
- High Frequency words
- Phonics
- Spelling
- News preparation
- Oral language
- Basic number skills and facts
Homework options in Year 3 to Year 6 may include the following:
- Phonics/Spelling
- Word study
- Literacy Pro Quiz
- Maths problem solving
- Research Projects
- Novel Studies
- Oral language reports
Recommended Time
Homework can be completed daily or over a weekly or fortnightly period. The table below provides suggested time to be allocated to homework.
| Year Level Approximate Time per night |
| Kindergarten 10 mins |
| Pre-primary 15-20 mins |
| Year 1 15-20 mins |
| Year 2 15-20 mins |
| Year 3 20-30 mins |
| Year 4 20-30 mins |
| Year 5 20-30 mins |
| Year 6 30-40 mins |
For the purpose of this policy document, it is important to note that at Warnbro Primary we expect that regular home reading will form part of students’ daily routine considered an essential home activity.
Staff Review: 31 Jan 2020 School Board:
Next Review: 2022