HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework Policy 2026-2029 

 Help for non-English speakers 

If you need help to understand this policy, please contact Glenroy College on 9304 0400 

Purpose: 

To outline to our school community the Department’s and Glenroy College’s policy requirements relating to homework.   

Scope: 

This policy applies to students in all year levels and to staff responsible for setting homework.  

Rationale: 

Glenroy College has developed this Homework Policy in consultation with the School Council to support student learning and wellbeing by:  

• providing opportunities for students to review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills 

• providing opportunities for students to apply new knowledge 

• providing opportunities for students to prepare for future lessons 

• encouraging students to enrich or extend knowledge individually, collectively and imaginatively 

• fostering good lifelong learning and study habits 

• supporting learning partnerships with parents/carers. 

Policy: 

At Glenroy College all homework set by teachers will be:  

• purposeful 

• curriculum-aligned 

• appropriate to students’ skill level and age 

• designed to help students develop as independent learners 

• monitored by the teacher 

• where appropriate, provide opportunities for parents/carers to partner in their child’s learning. 

The types of homework that teachers at Glenroy College will include are: 

• completing consolidation exercises for mathematics  

• completing science investigation exercises  

• practising and playing musical instruments  

• practising spelling words  

• practising words/phrases learnt in a language other than English  

• reading background material for a subject 

• reading English texts prior to class discussion 

• reading for pleasure 

• researching topics associated with set class work  

• revising/preparing for tests 

• applying new skills to home context 

• engaging with parents in learning activities such as:   

• rehearsing a presentation with parent/carers, and seeking their feedback 

• interviewing a family member as part of a research project.   

Shared expectations and responsibilities  

Homework is a shared responsibility between the school, teachers, students and their parents/carers. In order to get the most out of homework tasks, it is important that everyone understands their obligations and responsibilities.  

Glenroy College will support students by: 

• facilitating free afterschool tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays 

• facilitating study periods periods for year 10-12 students 

• supporting study groups which are student-run study sessions after school 

• using COMPASS to set and monitor student progress 

• fostering lifelong learning and connecting families with the learning of their children, as part of a comprehensive and balanced curriculum within Victorian schools 

• ensuring the school’s homework policy is relevant to the needs of students 

• advising parents/carers of homework expectations at the beginning of the school year and provide them with a copy of the homework policy  

It is expected that teachers will: 

• equip students with the skills to solve problems 

• encourage real-life problem solving, logical thinking, creativity and imagination 

• set varied, challenging and meaningful tasks related to class work to suit the students' learning needs 

• give students enough time to complete homework, considering home obligations and extracurricular activities 

• assess homework and provide timely and practical feedback and support 

• help students develop organisational and time-management skills 

• ensure parents/carers are aware of the school's homework policy 

• develop strategies within the school to support parents/carers becoming active partners in homework 

• offer a wide range of opportunities for families to engage in their children’s learning. 

It is expected that students will take responsibility for their own learning by: 

• being aware of the school’s homework policy 

• discussing with their parents/carers homework expectations 

• accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time frames  

• following up on comments made by teachers 

• seeking assistance when difficulties arise 

• organising their time to manage home obligations, participation in physical activity and sports, recreational and cultural activities and part-time employment. 

It is expected that parents/carers will support their children by: 

• monitoring COMPASS regularly  

• developing a positive and productive approach to homework 

• ensuring there is a balance between the time spent on homework and recreational activities 

• reading to them, talking with them and involving them in learning opportunities during everyday household routines and physical activity 

• talking to teachers about any concerns they have about the homework 

• attending the school events, productions or displays their child is involved in  

• discussing homework with their child in their first language, if English is not the main language spoken at home, and linking it to previous experiences 

• linking homework and other learning activities to the families’ culture, history and language, linking with relevant services, clubs, associations and community  

• ensuring there is a quiet study area for students to complete their homework tasks. 

Support for students, parents and carers 

Glenroy College understands that students have different learning strengths, preferences and interests and may approach learning activities and homework differently. If parents/carers are concerned their child may not understand the homework tasks that have been set or is spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage parents/carers to speak to their child’s teacher.   

Further information and resources: 

• Homework – Department Policy   

Communication: 

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:  

• Included in staff induction processes  
• Discussed at staff briefings or meetings, as required 
• Included in our staff policy handbook 
• Made available in hard copy from school administration upon request 
• Uploaded to our school website 

Policy Review and Approval: