At St Francis School students will be set homework which provides 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 will take into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, cultural pursuits and employment where appropriate.
Belief Statement
We believe that homework that enhances student learning:
- is purposeful and relevant to students needs
- is appropriate to the phase of learning (early, middle and senior)
- is appropriate to the capability of the student
- develops the student's independence as a learner
- is varied, challenging and clearly related to class work
- allows for student commitment to recreational, employment, family and cultural activities.
We believe that by using varied and challenging homework appropriate to students' learning needs, homework can:
- consolidate learning through revision and critical reflection (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).
Considering students' other commitments when setting homework
In determining homework, it is important to acknowledge that students may be engaging in many different activities outside of school. These include a range of physical activities and sports, recreational and cultural pursuits. Older students may also have part-time employment. Some students have responsibilities as caregivers.
Homework appropriate to particular phases of learning
The following is to operate as 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.
- In the Prep Year, generally students will not be required to complete set homework.
- In Years 1, 2 and 3, set homework could be up to but generally not more than 1 - 1 ½ hour per week.
- Homework in Year 4 and Year 5 could be up to but generally not more than 2-3 hours per week.
- Homework in Year 6 could be up to but generally not more than 3-4 hours per week.
In the Early Phase of Learning (Prep to Year 3)
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, preparation of food, local environment and family outings
- conversations about what is happening at school
- preparation for oral presentations
- opportunities to write for meaningful purposes.
In the Middle Phase (Year 4 to Year 9) some homework can be completed daily or over a weekly or fortnightly period and may include daily independent reading and be coordinated across different subject areas.
