HOMEWORK
The majority of teachers at our school will set regular homework. The type of homework may vary from time to time but you are assured that teachers carefully consider the amount and content of home tasks. Of course, we understand that some children may experience genuine difficulty with homework. By all means, help if possible, but if frustration becomes evident, the appropriate action is to contact the teacher concerned in an attempt to improve matters.

The following is included for your interest:

General Guidelines
Homework is harmful when:
It is a dull, time-consuming routine that kills interest and enthusiasm.
It is a source of tension and conflict within the family.
It leaves the child feeling inadequate and tired.
It absorbs time that should be devoted to the family and recreational activity.
It is not purposeful within the context of current class programs.

Homework is useful when:
It gives children the chance to consolidate what they have learnt at school
It allows for the fact that children learn and work at different rates and have different needs.
It increases children’s confidence and enjoyment in learning
It gives parents the opportunity to encourage, express approval and, in general, relate positively to their children.
It develops long-term habits of learning and planning.
It enhances avenues of communication (and understanding) between the school and home.

Length of Time
(This school supports Homework in a supportive, purposeful context. This is offered as a guide only and is not prescriptive. The final decision on amount of time to set for Homework is left to the discretion of individual teachers).

Years 1-3 - Very little formal Homework given. Parents encouraged to read to children and share activities. Children may gather information for use next day, make simple entries in diary, keep scrapbooks or other low key activities.
Years 3-5 - Regular tasks that may take up to 30 minutes.
Years 5-7 -Regular tasks that may take up to one hour.

Points to Remember
What may take one child 30 minutes could take another child three times longer.
You may have to teach children how to use time efficiently (time management).
Home time is a great time for reading, pursuing hobbies, playing imaginative games etc.

The Best Homework
Here are some useful suggestions to make to parents that are guaranteed to help children become better learners and happier human beings.
Lots and lots of family conversation - story telling, jokes, discussions about everything.
Shared bed-time stories with mum or dad reading to the children.
Private reading in bed before lights out.
Family games, activities and hobbies.
Regular visits to the local library.
Outings of all kinds to places of social, historic or natural interest.
Imaginative play that comes naturally to children of all ages.

Please show an interest in your child's home studies and in other work he/she does at school. Talk about his/her school work and encourage his/her efforts. Your participation is of great importance and will certainly develop positive and confident study habits and attitudes

Homework Help

Children need consistency, so try setting a homework plan and sticking with it consistently over a long period of time. Have one place in the house where homework is done every day. This might include the kitchen table, the living room floor; wherever your child works best.

-- Show an interest in your child's homework assignments.

-- Be a role model -- take the opportunity to read a book or newspaper while your child studies. Reading together helps create a learning atmosphere.

-- Teach your child how to be organized. Be sure he or she keeps a homework assignment book.

-- Eliminate as many distractions as possible during study time.

-- Develop a strategy for dealing with homework. Find a plan that works for your family and stick with it.

By working together and creating a strong level of support and communication the opportunity to identify and solve problems early will be greatly increase.