Homework Policy

Dear Families

Please see below the current Homework Policy for your attention.

ST ANTHONY’S SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY

Purpose:

For the child, homework is set:

• to enrich or consolidate the child's learning
• to establish a regular routine for revision, practice and reinforcement of knowledge and skills taught at school
• to build positive attitudes and a purposeful approach to set tasks
• to take responsibility for their learning and ensure set tasks are completed within the allocated time frame
• to provide an opportunity for the child to discuss and share school work with parents, and to benefit from their insights and encouragement

For parents, homework gives the opportunity:

• to experience the child's attitudes and abilities as they relate to set work
• to be aware of topics being covered in the classroom
• to listen and share in the child's learning 

For the teacher, homework:

• is a way of reinforcing concepts, skills, knowledge and processes being taught in the classroom
• is a form of good training for time management 
• may include reading, word study (spelling/grammar), mathematics exercises and games, research, experiments, observations and projects

Guidelines for Action:

• Teachers should detail the format and time requirements
• Homework is the child's responsibility, but parental support is to be encouraged
• If the child is unable to complete homework, parents should not do the work for them but instead encourage them to speak to their teacher
• Children should, in conjunction with their families, determine the most appropriate time of day/week to complete homework
• In some cases, children may be required to complete unfinished classwork at home
• Homework should be completed within the allocated time frame 
• Children will receive feedback on completed homework tasks 

Plan of Program Implementation:

Prep to Year Two

Prep to Year Two students receive weekly homework which will include:

Prep 

• Two books given out at the start of the week which need to be read daily
• Children read every day to an adult / sibling
• Children practise reading their High-Frequency Words

Year One

• Reading books which are changed daily
• Children read every day to an adult / sibling
• Children practise spelling their High-Frequency Words

Year Two

• Reading books changed once the book is finished
• Children read every day to an adult / sibling
• Complete weekly spelling activities 

This will generally not exceed 20 minutes a day

Years Three and Four

Year Three and Four students receive fortnightly homework which will include:

• Daily independent reading
• Activities related to classroom learning
• This may include an extension of classwork, projects and assignments

This will generally not exceed 30 minutes a day

Years Five and Six

Year Five and Six students receive weekly homework which will include

• Daily independent reading
• Activities related to classroom learning 
• This may include an extension of classwork, projects and assignments

Homework will generally not exceed 45 minutes a day

Homework Consequences for non-Completion of tasks:

• The class teacher will follow up and support students who are unable to complete tasks at home
• At the teacher's discretion, any unfinished homework will be completed during recess or lunchtime for no longer than half the break
• Classroom teachers will communicate with the child's parents if homework continues to be an issue

 Ratified by Leadership Team June 2024

To be reviewed June 2026.