Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Homework Policy
Definition of Homework:
Homework refers to any work or activities assigned to students as an extension of classroom
work.
Importance of Homework:
Homework, along with schoolwork, teacher observation, projects, portfolios, diagnostic and
standardised tests all lay the foundation for providing an overall picture of a pupils progress
and development as they move through the school.
Following our recent evaluation of the homework practices in the school and a survey of
parent views on the issue, a short trial of no written homework was undertaken. In light of
the response of parents to the trial and the experience of teachers, it is considered that
written homework remains an important element of childrens learning. In general, the
majority of both parents and pupils had a positive attitude to homework. Teachers will be
very aware of the quality, relevance and duration of the work given and provide more
creative activities for pupils to help reduce homework-related stress.
Frequency and Duration of Homework:
It is a matter of school policy that individual teachers decide on the amount of homework
which they consider appropriate. However, the following samples are guidelines on what
parents can expect each evening.
Time:
1st Class: 10-20 minutes
2nd Class: 20-30 minutes
3rd-4th Class: 30-45 minutes
5th-6th Class: 45-60 minutes
These times are guidelines; some children may complete the work in less time. However, if
your child is regularly taking more than the upper limit guideline time, please confer with
the teacher.
Possible Content:
Tables
Irish and English Spelling
Irish and English Reading
Written Work in Mathematics, English and Irish
Revision of S.E.S.E., Music, S.P.H.E., Religion
Project Work (Occasionally)
Homework is assigned Monday to Thursday, leaving the weekend free for family
activities. However, pupils may be asked to complete unfinished work, or continue
project work at weekends. Homework missed due to absence may have to be
completed at the weekend.
The nature of the homework assigned may change due to school activities during the
year.
Sometimes at the discretion of the class teacher or the principal, children are given
homework off (Homework Pass) as a treat or as acknowledgement of some special
occasion or a special effort made by the class or by an individual.
Children are encouraged to read for pleasure every day and parents are encouraged
to read to younger children every day.
If homework is a stressful experience between parent and child, something is wrong.
This leads to poor learning and defeats the whole purpose. Should this happen on a
regular basis, please contact the class teacher.
Where exceptional circumstances prevent the completion of homework, please
forward an explanatory note in writing to the class teacher.