Kensington P.S. Homework Policy follows the DET Homework Policy, revised

August 2006 .

Rationale.

Homework is a valuable part of schooling. It allows for the practising, extending and consolidating of work done in class. Homework provides training for students in planning and organising time and continues to develop a range of skills in identifying and using information sources. Additionally it establishes habits of study, concentration and self-discipline.

Guidelines:

1.       In building up a home study pattern it is important that a student make maximum use of limited time. The ability to work unsupervised in the time available, and at a reasonable rate should be developed. Homework is not meant to, and indeed should not occupy the majority of a child’s time away from the school.

2.       Homework should not be an onerous task which could lead to negative attitudes. Rather, it should be such that a child can achieve success; thus gaining self-esteem and the esteem of parents.

3.       Homework is set for children not adults. Parents should be interested and co-operative but their interest should be to provide time, space, materials and resources (eg computer)                                                                                                

4.       If a parent objects to homework this is his/her choice. In this case a note should be written by the parent excluding the child from all homework.

5.       Teachers set homework according to our school policy. However it is the parents’ responsibility to see that the homework is done and also well presented. Children will not be “kept in” for incomplete homework.

6.       It is the responsibility of students to submit their homework, completed & on time, to the appropriate teacher.  Parents will be informed in writing if this does not occur.

7.       Research indicates that progress is greater in students who are given regular homework, and whose parents show interest in this.

8.       While homework is an important component of the teaching and learning process, schools recognise that it is important for students to have time for play, leisure and physical activities outside of school.

What? When? How much?          

Homework may be given on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Students on extended leave will not be given formal individualised homework. It is suggested that if appropriate they read daily, keep a diary and learn about their holiday environment.

The completion of assignments and work which SHOULD have been done in school time is NOT considered as homework. It is additional to homework. 

Homework will vary according to the grade level of the student. Approximate times for concentrated daily effort could be:

Kindergarten             5-10   minutes   

Year 1                      10-15  minutes

Year 2                      15-30  minutes

Years 3 and 4           30-40  minutes

Years 5 and 6           30-60  minutes

In general homework will consist of:-

Kindergarten – Year 2

Generally, teachers will not set formal homework early in Kindergarten. However, all activities at home or in play can assist children to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills including literacy, numeracy and problem solving. It should also be remembered that self-directed play in unstructured time is important. Language and number concepts can be introduced and consolidated in many family activities, including:

·         shopping

·         preparation of food

·         listening to stories, learning songs and nursery rhymes

·         conversations about what is happening at school

·         interactive video and computer programs

·         reading

·         library borrowing

·         family outings

·         collecting items

·         board & card games

·         preparation of speeches

In Years 1 and 2, more formal homework begins with nightly home reading, spelling and a weekly activity sheet consolidating work done in class that week.

Years 3 – 6

• Home reading (to parent, or silently)
• Learning of basic spelling lists and spelling activity sheets
• Learning/practising of tables, mental arithmetic
• Research as suggested by a teacher.
• Writing
• Preparation of speeches etc.

Although most homework is likely to be set in the areas of English, Mathematics and Human Society and its Environment, it could be set across all areas of the curriculum.

As students progress they increasingly work independently on their homework, but it is important that teachers continue to provide guidance and assistance particularly in the development of study and research skills.

Mandarin & Modern Greek

On occasions a student may be given some work to finish at home if not finished in class, or they may need to revise work in preparation for a test.  As well as this, students may be given a task or assignment associated with a particular unit of study, limited to no more than two a year.

E.S.L. (English as a Second Language)

New Arrival First Phase students will be given individual homework when their understanding of English develops to a stage where this would be of benefit.

Procedures.

• A guide for parents will be given early in Term 1 indicating individual teacher expectations e.g. how long to spend, standards of work, whether work is set weekly or daily etc.

• Each Y5 & 6 child will have a Homework Diary.

             Students will record daily:

(a)          Date

(b)          Homework for that day.

• Parents may be asked to sign work when completed.

• Work will be marked regularly on completion, and feedback given to students.

Revised July 2006

 * Homework Policy

The following policy has been revised/updated after discussion between staff, and parents and the community (through the KPSO and School Council).

Please read with your children and discuss.  If you have any questions, please see your child’s teacher, in the first instance.

Thank you

Annie Jones

Principal

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