Draft Homework Policy
St Canice’s Co-Ed Primary School
Granges Road, Kilkenny. Homework Policy Introduction This policy was drawn up as a result of whole staff collaboration, with the Board of Management, to ensure that homework is a positive and productive experience, which enhances the child’s learning. Rationale: Why give homework? a) To consolidate and re-enforce what the child learns in school. b) To provide a link between teacher and parent, and promote partnership between home and school in supporting a child’s learning. c) To develop concentration, good study habits / skills and independent learning. When is homework given? Homework is given from Monday to Thursday, and normally not at weekends. There are some exceptions:
How long should homework take? Different children will complete the same homework in different lengths of time, depending on the child’s abilities, levels of focus and concentration, distractions, conditions in which homework is completed, time of the year etc. It is the quality and not the quantity of the homework that matters. The following are general guidelines only:
Types of homework usually given: The following are just some of the types of homework that may be given across the class levels:
Children with Special Education Needs Homework is differentiated, when necessary, to ensure that children with special educational needs are accommodated. Children who attend Special Education Teacher (SET) may get additional or alternative homework, after consultation with parents and Class teacher. (Eg. alternative spellings etc.) Special consideration is made to ensure that any such child would not be over-burdened with an extra work load. In some cases, homework given by the class teacher may be reduced for an individual child to compensate homework given by a SET. How much help should parents give? Parents should help by:
How often should parents monitor homework?
How often do teachers monitor homework? Teachers should ensure that all homework set is prepared and explained well, and is at the right level for the class. If homework is not completed, and no written explanation is provided, or if homework is not completed to the best of the child’s ability, the teacher may decide to re-assign this homework for completion at another time. (E.g. lunchtime / another night / weekend). Teachers will bring any issues around homework to the attention of the parentwhere necessary. When should parents communicate with teachers about homework? a) When a child cannot do homework due to family circumstances. b) When a child cannot understand some aspect. c) If the time spent at homework is often longer than the recommended time. When pupils are absent due to illness/exceptional circumstances: Parents should notify the school when a child is absent, or is due to be absent, for any reason. a) If the child is well enough, homework can be provided by the class teacher, to be completed at home. b) Otherwise, when the child returns to school, every effort should be made to ensure that he has not fallen behind. When pupils are absent due to holidays: The school does not take responsibility for work missed due to holidays taken during school time and will neither assign nor correct work missed during such absences. PLEASE REMEMBER: If homework is a stressful experience between parent and child, something is wrong! This can lead to poor learning and defeats the whole purpose. Should this happen on a regular basis, please contact the class teacher. Implementation, Review & Communication This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on xxxxx. It will be monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed once every two years, or sooner if necessary. It is available to view on the school website and through the office in the school. This document has been reviewed by the Board of Management and ratified at a meeting held on xxx. It will be reviewed in two years time or earlier if deemed necessary. Chairman: __________________________________ Date:__________ Principal: ___________________________________ Date:___________ |
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