Homework

The school has a formal policy on homework and the main points are listed below –

Homework is considered to be a very important link between the home and the school.  It can be a way of assessing a pupils’ progress by the parents as well as supporting work which has been done in school.

The school should consider the following points when homework is set:

• A child’s age.
• The amount of homework to be set.
• The number of nights which are allowed for the homework to be completed.
• The relevance of the work in relationship to the work which is being undertaken in the class.
• An individual child’s ability to complete the homework.
• Homework should be progressive and consistent both in quality and quantity.
• Homework should be marked on a regular basis.

Examples of Homework which may be set:

READING AT HOME SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED ON A DAILY BASIS FOR ALL CHILDREN.

For young children this might involve ‘paired reading’ with an adult whereas for older pupils a more formal reading record of the book and the number of pages read should be encouraged.

Handwriting exercises should be encouraged.

Learning of mathematical tables (up to x10) might be considered appropriate, but this should only follow a thorough understanding of the meaning of tables.

Homework may involve conducting some research work which will support class studies.

Spellings will be presented to the Junior Classes and this will normally involve having up to twenty words to learn on a Monday in preparation for a test on Friday.

From time to time a particular activity requires information by parents, relations and neighbours, or requires interviewing and research work by the child.  It is appreciated that the child is the responsibility of the home during these hours and parents’ willingness or unwillingness to co-operate will be understood in view of this responsibility.

Occasionally a particular teacher may ask a child to do additional work in order to overcome some weakness or to concentrate on a special aspect of work.  At such times it is hoped that the full co-operation of the home will be forthcoming together with encouragement to the child to do the work.

It is considered that, because of the obvious educational value of homework, each child will be expected to complete the work unless a letter is received from the parents stating their wish that homework is not set for their child.

In the Foundation Phase. parents are encouraged to read regularly with their children and revise spelling lists set by the school.