Teaching and Learning 

   HOME LEARNING (Homework)

As you may be aware, the St James Home Learning policy is currently under review, to ensure it aligns with contemporary research, outlines consistent expectations and is a document which provides clarity for families.

This week members of the Learning and Teaching Team met with a Year 7 coordinator to discuss the expectations for the beginning of Year 7 and the home learning requirements. We will use this information to shape the types of home learning strategies we will implement in the senior school this year.

As another part of the process, we are gathering teacher, student and parent perspectives. We invite you to complete a google form sharing your view of home learning; the benefits and challenges. 

(You will find the link to this short survey in your email.)

The teachers will meet in collaborative teams to reflect upon the data collected from staff, students, families and the wider community, as well as current research. They will use this to plan consistent expectations, an appropriate format for home learning, as well as up-to-date documentation.

The Home Learning policy, along with the home learning tasks themselves will be shared with students and families in Week 5-6.

Thank you for your patience as we make our way through the process.

EXAMINING RESEARCH

In relation to Home Learning (Homework) in primary schools, research suggests that;

• the quality of tasks assigned is more important than quantity
• effectiveness is enhanced by providing students with choice
• opportunities for revision and consolidation should be incorporated
• conversations between the child and their family member(s) are vital
• five - ten minutes has the same impact as one or two hours
• short and focussed tasks work best
• the impact on learning outcomes for students is limited, however there may be other benefits such as parental engagement or promoting effective learning habits

Olivia Quinlan                                                                                                        Brendan Flanagan

Teaching and Learning Leader                                                                       Principal

Literacy Leader