Middle School
Head of Middle School - Jodi Fitzgerald-Tate
Homework and the Student Diary
Article by Tess Spalliera, Middle School Head of Learning
At Overnewton, our developmental approach supports students to take increasing responsibility for their learning as they mature. We aim to develop independent, self-motivated learners who can set goals, manage their time effectively, reflect on their progress, and make informed decisions about their learning. Homework is an important part of this process. You can access our full Homework Policy here.
Why Homework Matters
Purposeful homework enables students to:
Practise, consolidate and reinforce classroom learning
Develop time management, organisation and responsibility
Build resilience and self-discipline
Homework is not simply additional work; it is intentionally designed to strengthen long-term understanding and foster effective study habits.
Wider Reading
Reading is fundamental to academic success, and the College actively promotes daily reading across all year levels. In the Middle School, students participate in the Renaissance Reading Program and attend supported library sessions with their English teacher. Even in these middle years, simply reading your own book alongside your child can be powerful. It models positive reading habits, creates a calm shared routine, and quietly reinforces that reading is valued in your home.
Homework Time Expectations
| Year Level | Duration | Homework Type |
|---|---|---|
| Year 5 | 40 mins/night, 4 nights/week | -Renaissance Reading Program (≥20 min per night) -Maths (45 mins per week) -Languages (20 mins per week) -Spelling and Vocabulary (20 mins per week) |
| Year 6 | 40 mins/night; 4 nights/week | -Renaissance Reading Program (≥20 min per night) -Maths (45 minutes per week) -Languages (20 minutes per week) -Spelling and Vocabulary (20 minutes per week) |
| Year 7 | 1 hr/night; 5 nights/week | -Renaissance Reading Program (≥20-30 minutes per night) -Maths (60 minutes per week) -Language (30 minutes per week) -Humanities (30 minutes per week) -English (30 minutes per week) -Science (30 minutes per week) -Other subjects (30 minutes per week) |
| Year 8 | 1-1.5 hrs /night; 5 nights/week | -Renaissance Reading Program (≥20-30 minutes per night) -Maths (80 minutes per week) -Language (30 minutes per week) -Humanities (30 minutes per week) -English (30 minutes per week) -Science (30 minutes per week) -Other subjects (30 minutes per week) |
Expectations and Shared Responsibilities
Students are expected to:
Record homework and assessment dates in their diary each day
Complete homework within recommended timeframes
Seek assistance when needed
Engage with teacher feedback
Take responsibility for meeting deadlines
Parents and Carers are encouraged to:
Demonstrate active interest in homework
Provide dedicated time and, where possible, a quiet space for learning
Support a healthy balance between homework and family or recreational activities
Communicate any concerns with teachers
Teachers commit to:
Setting purposeful, curriculum-aligned homework
Providing appropriate time allocations
Monitoring student wellbeing and workload
Offering timely and constructive feedback
Communicating concerns and providing strategies for support
The Homework Diary
Each Middle School student receives a diary to support organisation and time management.
Students are expected to:
Bring their diary to every class
Take it home each evening
Record homework and important dates
Have the diary signed weekly by a parent or carer
If they are late to school present this to Middle School reception when they sign in
Through a consistent and collaborative approach, we aim to develop confident, organised and capable learners who take ownership of their academic growth.