Homework is any work or activity students are asked to do outside lesson time, either on their own or with parents. A regular program of homework and study is essential. Homework supports the development of independent learning skills, gives pupils the opportunity to practice at home the tasks covered in class, and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their children’s education, thus reaffirming their role as partners in education.

The focus of homework in the early primary classes will be on the important skills of literacy and numeracy. Older pupils are sometimes given other tasks such as finding information as well as writing tasks. Regular reading at home, especially with parents is encouraged. Even though Kindergarten learners are not given tasks to perform at home, parents should help establish “homework time” to talk about what has been done at school and to read to their children.

The three main types of homework assignments given are:

a) Practice exercises: providing students with the opportunities to review,revise and reinforce newly acquired skills including:

• Consolidation exercises e.g. maths exercises
• Practising for mastery e.g. spelling words
• Revising information on a given topic e.g. Social Studies
• Reading for pleasure
• Essay writing

b) Preparatory homework: providing opportunities for students to gaininformation on a theme, in preparation for a future lesson, including:

• Background reading or studying
• Reading a text for class discussion (or comprehension exercise)
• Researching a topic
• Collecting items e.g. geometric shapes.

c) Extension assignments: encouraging pupils to pursue knowledgeindividually and imaginatively, including:

• Writing a book review
• Researching e.g. history, local news
• Information and retrieval skills e.g. to find material on the internet.

Too little homework can deny a learner from benefitting, but too much can frustrate him/her.  Homework should not hinder students from participating in after-school activities such as music, dancing, catechism lessons etc.  If a child is spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework, parents should speak to their child’s teacher about it.  Actual time required to complete homework will vary with each student, however:

Year 1 and Year 2 pupils should not take more than 15 to 20 minutes daily to finish their work;

Year 3 and Year 4 pupils should not take more than 25 to 30 minutes daily to finish their work;

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils should not take more than 30 to 40 minutes daily to finish their work.

Homework is usually set to be completed for the next day, except for book reviews, research and projects.  Homework will be differentiated where necessary to take into account individual needs.

Students are expected to hand work in on time.  When homework has not been done, appropriate action will be taken by the class teacher, and if this is repeated, by the Senior Management Team (SMT).

Parents can help by:

• taking an active interest in homework;
• ensuring that time is set aside for homework;
• encouraging and supporting students to complete homework;
• providing a suitable place for homework and study;
• encouraging their child to read and take an interest in current events;
• communicating with teachers any concerns regarding their child’s homework;

Teachers can help by:

• explaining to students and their parents the purpose and benefits of homework;
• providing quality homework activities related to classwork;
• ensuring that students are aware of what is expected of them, and how their work will be assessed;
• giving the students neither too little nor too much homework, so that it can be completed in the time stipulated;
• marking homework promptly and appropriately, and providing feedback to both students and parents;
• alerting parents of any developing problems concerning their child, and suggesting strategies that they can use to assist their child with his/her homework.

Students can help by:

• being aware of the importance of homework;
• completing homework within the given time frame;
• seeking assistance from teachers or parents when difficulties arise;
• ensuring that the homework handed in is of a high standard;
• organizing their time to ensure that sufficient time is given to quality homework (including reading).

Early years (Kinder 1 & 2)
The child is given the work that he/she missed to do gradually at school upon his/her return

Years 1 – 6
Details about the schoolwork and homework is sent to the student by e-mail.  The student must not write in copybooks whilst he/she is sick.  Work is not to be sent in for correction however, the student may ask the teacher about any difficulties that he/she may encounter.