Killarney P-10 State School Homework Guidelines
Why we set homework?
Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. Homework provides an excellent opportunity for family members to reinforce learning attitudes, aspirations and expectations.
When homework is set, it will take into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, and cultural activities where appropriate.
We believe that homework that enhances student learning:
- is purposeful and relevant to students needs
- is appropriate to the phase of learning (early and middle)
- is appropriate to the capability of the student
- develops the student's independence as a learner
- is varied, challenging and clearly related to class work
- allows for student commitment to recreational, family and cultural activities.
What homework looks like
The following is to operate as a guide in determining the amount of set homework that students might be expected to undertake weekly.
Prep to Year 2
In Year 1 to Year 2 many activities at home or in play can assist children to develop literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Homework tasks may include: daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or other family members; linking concepts with familiar activities such as shopping, preparation of food, local environment and family outings; conversations about what is happening at school; preparation for oral presentations; and opportunities to write for meaningful purposes.
- In the Prep Year, students may be exposed to homework through short revision activities.
- In Years 1, and 2 set homework could be up to but generally not more than 1 hour a week.
Year 3-9
In Year 3 to Year 9 some homework can be completed daily or over a weekly or fortnightly period and may include daily independent reading, be coordinated across different subject areas, include extension of class work, projects and research.
- Homework in Year 3 and Year 4 could be up to but generally not more than 2-3 hours a week.
- Homework in Year 5 and Year 6 could be up to but generally not more than 3-4 hours a week.
- In Year 7 to Year 9 students should be given more responsibility for their own learning. They can be required to engage in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class. Homework in Year 7 to 9 could be up to but generally not more than 5 hours a week.
- In Year 10 the amount of time devoted to homework and independent study will vary according to the student's learning needs and individual program of learning, determined through their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.
A plan of student assessment for Junior Secondary is developed each term in consultation with the Head of Department. The suggestions above are a guide in determining the amount of set homework that our students might be expected to undertake.
Issues with Homework
Parents are encouraged to consult with their child's teacher about homework issues, support and adjustments.
The role of our parents and caregivers with homework
Through our Parents and Citizens Association, our parents have a key role in the continuing development of our school's homework policy.
Our parents and caregivers can help their children by:
- spending quality time with their children exploring learning aspirations and needs
- supporting reading to them, talking with them and involving them in tasks at home including shopping, playing games and physical activity
- helping them to complete tasks by discussing key questions or directing them to resources
- encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their learning, including assisting their children to prioritise and schedule activity needs to ensure all commitments are met and referring to homework diaries
- helping them to balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television, playing computer games, playing sport and engaging in other recreational activities
- encouraging them to read and to take an interest in and discuss current local, national and international events
- contacting the relevant teacher to discuss any concerns about the nature of homework and their children's approach to the homework.
Implementing our homework policy
Where students commit to complete the set homework, and it is not regularly completed, we support the following consequences:
- parent contact
- student detentions to complete (in accordance with Education [General Provisions]Regulation 2006 regarding Detention of Students for not completing homework; which allows for 20 minutes during lunch break or one half hour after school)
- student removal from the set homework program for the rest of the term (written parent permission required for “opting out")
Regular monitoring and collaboration amongst our teachers and the school's P&C will ensure consistent and effective implementation of the school homework policy.