Homework - recommendations
Homework refers to any work or activities which pupils are asked to do outside lesson time either on their own or with parents or carers.
To be effective homework needs to be part of a wider partnership between parents and schools. In some schools homework is already a part of home school agreement between parents and schools.Teachers and parents need to be completely clear about what is expected of pupils in the way of homework and how it should be organised and maintained.
All students should have a written policy which should be reviewed regularly, parents should be sent a copy of the policy and encourage to discuss it with the child's teacher.
Homework policies should give clear guidance to parents and teachers about what is expected of them and of pupils on a weekly basis.
The policy should:
- Clearly set out purposes of homework.
- Type and amount of homework which is appropriate for pupils of different ages.
- How homework will be planned and co-ordinated so that the demands on pupils are balanced and manageable
- Role of parents and carers in supporting pupils
- Homework and study support facilities if necessary for pupils to do homework under supervision at places other than home
- Appropriate tasks for homework
- Management of homework for pupils with special education needs
- Feedback for pupils
Recommended time allocated for homework
- Y1 and Y2 - 1 hour per week
- Y3 and Y4 - 1.5 hours per week
- Y5 and Y6 - 30 minutes per day
- Y7 and Y8 - 45 to 90 minutes per day
- Y9 - 1 to 2 hours per day
- Y10 and Y11 - 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day
Source:Department for Children Schools and Families publication "Homework:Guidelines for Primary and Secondary Schools" pub Nov 1998