Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. The setting of homework takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation and cultural pursuits.
Homework can engage students in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class through:
revision and critical reflection to consolidate learning (practising for mastery)
applying knowledge and skills in new contexts (a topic of interest, an authentic local issue)
pursuing knowledge individually and imaginatively (investigating, researching, writing, designing, making)
preparing for forthcoming classroom learning (collecting relevant materials, items, information).
Homework Guidelines
The following information is a guide in determining the amount of set homework that students might be expected to undertake. It is of course open to parents to consult with a student’s teacher about additional materials or practice exercises with which parents can assist their children at home.
Prescribed levels of homework for different age groups
Prep Year Generally students will not be set homework
Years 1, 2, 3 Could be up to — but generally not more than — 1 hour each week
Years 4 and 5 Could be up to — but generally not more than — 2 —3 hours each week
Years 6 Could be up to — but generally not more than — 3 —4 hours each week
In the Early Phase of Learning many activities at home or in play can assist children to develop literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Homework tasks may include;
daily reading to, with and by parents/ caregivers or other family members
linking concepts with familiar activities such as shopping, food preparation, local environment and family outings
conversations about what is happening at school
preparation for oral presentations
opportunities to write for meaningful purposes
For further information on homework please see your child's teacher.