Homework Policy
This policy revision is the result of staff and parental consultation on the existing policy and practice. It will also lead to alteration of the statements contained within the school handbook on the subject of homework.
Reasons for homework
To allow children to further practice skills from classroom activities.
To prepare for future class work.
To encourage independence in learning.
To keep parents informed of current class work and of their child’s progress through each school stage.
To provide a firm and productive link between the school and the home.
To develop study skills and habits which will allow for easy transition to Secondary Education.
Accordingly
Homework will be issued from Monday to Thursday for all children at all stages.
At all stages clear indication of the homework must be given with the teacher of young children (P1-3) recording reading, phonics and where necessary maths homework individually in homework diary. In this way parents will know exactly what to supervise.
The work should be simple enough for the children to do without parental assistance, as conflicting methods could confuse the children.
Homework will not be given at the following times of the year:
The last full week of the Christmas term and the last two weeks of the summer term.
In the week of the school show.
When a class or stage is otherwise committed e.g. P7 at Secondary for 3 days.
When a child is going on holiday.
Homework is mainly given as a discipline so that children at the later stages of education are able to settle down to homework unsupervised and unaided. Time spent on homework will vary from stage to stage and pupil to pupil but should be between 15 – 30 min. as the children progress from P1 -7.
Homework should be seen as a positive task and not confused with the negative one of unfinished work.
Children should be encouraged to do homework but cannot be penalised if they do not carry it out. Below is an extract from the school’s standard letter for regular failure to do homework.
Dear Parent,
As you may be aware it is school policy to give homework Monday to Thursday. Homework may vary throughout the week and from class to class. Unfortunately, it appears _____________________ has not been doing his / her homework as regularly as we would expect. I would appreciate it if would try to ensure homework is done in future.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs McBurnie
Head Teacher
Parents Role
Homework is a means of inculcating good habits and must be regular to be effective. It must be seen as a supplement to the curriculum, as the level of effectiveness is largely dependent on parental support. There is clear evidence that children who carry out homework activities with the support of their parents, work towards the achievement of their potential. The school will proceed on the assumption that all children will complete homework set. Should a parent not wish their child to be given homework they should inform the school, in writing, of this fact. While parental involvement to the success of the homework policy is crucial their role in supporting the policy is very specific. Parents should bear the following in mind in relation to their expected role.
Television has been shown to be the single most distracting influence to the successful completion of homework. Setting a homework time and place with this in mind is very important.
Some children work best on their own others require close supervision, encouragement and assistance. Parents should supervise the habit of homework accordingly.
Children will always be expected to present homework to the level of class work. Parents should monitor presentation to ensure a high standard is maintained.
For various reason children ”forget” to return their homework jotter. Parents are asked to ensure the return of the homework jotter.
Children respond positively to parental interest in their work, especially if they feel that their effort will receive appropriate praise or criticism. Parents are asked to sign the homework to indicate they have seen it and have discussed the homework with their child.
Unfinished work
Where unfinished classroom work is due to lack of application ensure the following:
- a) Make certain the child has grasped the concept / skill.
- b) Give the child every possible encouragement.
- c) Set up regular supervision checks.
If application does not improve the school’s standard letter should be attached to appropriate jotter. An extract of this letter is shown below.
Dear Parent,
Your child has not finished classroom work which the class teacher feels was well within their capabilities. We would be grateful if you could allow time for (child’s name)______ to finish it at home. Your support in this matter is much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs McBurnie
Head Teacher
Where this proves a persistent problem refer to appropriate Senior Member of staff as per discipline policy.
