Warialda Public School

Homework Policy

Rationale

Homework is an important component of the teaching and learning process. It strengthens home-school links, allows for practicing and consolidating and extending work done in class, teaches students to plan and organise their time and establishes regular habits of study. It is recognised, however, that homework should not impinge on students’ time for play, leisure and physical activity outside of school.

Expectations

It is to be expected that homework;

Be appropriate for each student’s age and ability
Take into account technology such as computers, email and the internet without disadvantaging those students who do not have access to this technology.
Be marked promptly and accurately so students have regular feedback.

Guidelines

Early Stage 1

Generally no set formal homework, but from time to time, if parents agree, stage appropriate activities can be sent home in line with the classroom program..
Home reading program.
Parents to be given an outline of activities that can be completed with their child assisting knowledge and skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving.
A merit sticker will be given each week to encourage return of home readers.

Stage 1

Formal homework begins in the form of an activity sheet. (This can be one or double-sided)
Activities should include; spelling, simple mathematics computations, grammar, punctuation etc. The emphasis of these activities is to practise skills already taught at school.
A home reading program will be included as part of homework.
Activities and home reading should take up to 30 minutes to complete over the week.
A merit sticker will be given each week to encourage return of homework and home readers.

Stage 2

Formal homework in the form of a double-sided activity sheet.
Activities should include; spelling, mathematics computations, grammar, punctuation, general knowledge, vocabulary etc. The emphasis of these activities is to practise skills already taught at school.
Extension assignments or projects may be given instead of activity sheets at this stage. This can be to prepare for a unit of work that is to be taught or extend knowledge on concepts already covered at school.
Any home reading program in Stage 2 is based on library borrowing. No formal home readers will be given, except for those students who are given STLD support.
Activities and reading should take between 30-45 minutes to complete over the week.
A merit sticker will be given each week to encourage return of homework.

Stage 3

Formal homework in the form of a double-sided activity sheet.
Activities should include; spelling, mathematics computations, grammar, punctuation, general knowledge, vocabulary etc. The emphasis of these activities is to practise skills already taught at school.
Extension assignments or projects may be given instead of activity sheets at this stage. This can be to prepare for a unit of work that is to be taught or extend knowledge on concepts already covered at school.
Any home reading program in Stage 3 is based on library borrowing. No formal home readers will be given, except for those students who are given STLD support.
Activities and reading should take between 45-50 minutes to complete over the week.
A merit sticker will be given each week to encourage return of homework.

Indicators of Success

Students have the opportunity to practise skills at home.
Parents have a good knowledge of homework expectations for each stage.
Students are completing and handing in their homework.