| 1.Introduction
Homework should be a purposeful, positive learning experience, which motivates children and leads to independent study skills. It should consolidate, enrich and extend the school's program. Homework has the potential to further the school/home partnership in the education of the child. Homework should not be seen as a device for discipline as this would deny the fundamental beliefs about homework expressed in this policy.
The children at St Philip Neri Catholic School have many after school activities, which are valid learning experiences. Much valuable learning takes place outside the school. The school community expects homework to be a part of the learning process.
2. Rationale
Homework should be a consolidation of the school program, which aims to involve home and school in a joint effort at helping the child to develop independent work, study and research skills.
3. Outcomes
This policy will ensure that:-
| 3.1 |
homework is used as a means of consolidating and reinforcing what has been studied in class. |
| 3.2 |
students are encouraged to develop independent work, study and research skills that will promote self motivation and confidence in the learning process. |
| 3.3 |
parents have an opportunity to be involved in and aware of the learning activities their child is
undertaking at school. |
| 3.4 |
that consistent expectations about homework are in place across the school. |
4. Implementation
Homework will be:
| • |
Related to what is being learnt in class and may be an extension of this. |
| • |
Set at a realistic level |
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Corrected by the teacher or under the teacher's supervision. |
| • |
Formal homework may be assigned from Monday to Thursday only. Homework is generally not given on weekends. |
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Homework at all times should be comfortably within the child's capabilities. |
| • |
It is sufficient that the child spends the suggested time on the homework. A parent’s signature will indicate that the time has been spent productively. |
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Class teachers should communicate with parents in the event of continuously neglected homework. |
GUIDELINES
The approximate time expected to be spent on homework per night for each grade is as follows:
Reading (oral or silent) is a recommended component of nightly homework.
| Kindergarten |
10 minutes |
| Grade One |
20 minutes |
| Grade Two |
20 minutes |
| Grade Three |
30 minutes |
| Grade Four |
30 minutes |
| Grade Five |
1 hour |
| Grade Six |
1 hour |
Homework Points For Parents
Homework set at school is intended to help your child and not disrupt your home.
Parents are encouraged to be involved in the homework process. Be interested and help, but never do the homework for your child. Discuss what is being done; get to know what your child is doing at school.
Have a positive attitude towards homework. Let your child know homework is valued in your household.
Have a homework routine and stick to it.
It is understood that, on some occasions, it is not possible for homework to be done. Teachers may request parents to sign their child's homework. Your signature incomplete homework will indicate that you are aware that the homework has not been completed. This will suffice as an explanation.
Unexplained incomplete Homework will be required to be completed by the child.
If you have concerns about homework, talk to the class teacher.
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