Homework Policy

Challis Community Primary School Homework policy

Rationale:

At Challis Community Primary School, we recognise that homework plays an important role in reinforcing classroom learning, developing responsibility, and fostering strong partnerships between home and school.

Our approach to homework considers the needs of the students and the stage of their development, aligns with the Department of Education Guidelines and reflects the context of the school.

Principles:

Homework should:

• Reinforce and consolidate classroom learning and teaching programs and be consistent with the Western Australian Curriculum and school plans.
• Only be used to facilitate the achievement of learning outcomes.
• Further partnerships between home and school.
• Be dissociated from any form of punishment or discipline.
• Require parental assistance but not be reliant on high levels of support.
• Avoid dependence on resources that are not readily available (for example internet and printer).
• Be consistently applied, monitored and assessed in a whole-school approach that is responsive to individual needs and learning area requirements.
• Be set with reasonable time for family, recreational, cultural pursuits.
• Seek to strengthen independent study skills for senior students.

Guidelines:

Homework is advised Monday to Thursday and returned to classroom teachers on a Friday.  

The priority for homework is reading. The frequency at which home reading books are changed will be determined by classroom teachers.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The following is an outline of each stakeholder’s responsibilities.

Teachers:

• Be aware of the school’s homework policy and ensure it is implemented and followed
• Clearly communicate their expectations for homework to parents and students at the beginning of each year
• Provide opportunities for students to discuss any difficulties they are experiencing with homework
• Link homework to the class/individual needs
• Monitor the homework practices of their students
• Be mindful of circumstances that may prevent a child from completing homework tasks

Parents/Carers:

• Provide a time and place for children to complete their homework. This helps establish study routines that fits with the family.
• Ensure reading is recorded in child’s log (if applicable).
• Encourage, praise efforts and provide guidance and support as required.
• Contact the classroom teacher to discuss any concerns about homework.

Students:

• Take responsibility for completing homework to the best of their ability.
• Ask for help when needed and seek clarification from teachers.
• Be responsible for returning homework as required.