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Rationale
We are all lifelong learners
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Students need to learn the independent study skills that will be necessary in later years.
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We need to scaffold our homework guidelines to provide opportunity for children to develop these skills.
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Homework is a statement to families about school / class expectations and standards.
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A consistent homework policy across all year levels will give a clearer indication to parents and enable better continuity for students.
Guidelines
Homework can mean a number of things:
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It must convey expectation base skills required from students -- in literacy and numeracy.
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It may be the completion of set work that was unfinished in class
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It may be specific extra exercises set by the teacher to reinforce and consolidate work completed in class
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It may include reading, research and revision in preparation for an assignment or test.
It is imperative that homework consists of work that students are familiar with and is clearly explained. For example, a new concept currently being taught should not be included in homework until it has been thoroughly covered.
Similarly, assignments and projects set as homework should always include written instructions and guidelines that clearly explain what is required to both parents and students. The task should be comprehensively modeled in class before being set as an assignment....
How much Homework?
| Year |
Maximum Time |
Homework must include |
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Prep
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10 minutes
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Reading
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1
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15 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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2
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20 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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3
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20 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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4
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25 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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5
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30 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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6
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40 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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7
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50 minutes
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Reading, Learning and Written
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These times include home reading which can vary from 10 minutes in the lower school to 30 minutes in the upper school.
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Parents can sign off and query homework completed by students.
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Assessment schedules with clear timelines, draft review dates and criteria should be sent home for major projects and assignments at their commencement.
Homework Frustrations
The most common complaints from parents arise when:
- Homework is not at the level of the child - either too difficult or easy
- Homework is sporadic / not given out regularly, thus prohibiting parents from establishing set routines for home study.
- Homework is not checked or marked.
- Homework requires special materials and resources are not readily accessible at home.
- Homework tasks include new concepts and work student have not yet fully mastered or have not previously encountered.
- Students are asked to complete projects and assignments at home without clear guidelines.
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