Open - Bakewell Primary School

HOMEWORK POLICY

Purpose of Homework

Homework is set to assist with the development of:

self and time management skills;
the routine of completing school work in the home environment;
independent reading skills;
parental understanding and links to class / school learning;
opportunities for parents to work and communicate with their children;
independent learning and organisational skills.

Homework Approach

Bakewell Primary School follows a 'Parental Choice' approach to Homework.

Each semester parents are able to choose the option that best suits their child/ren and family circumstances and / or commitments. Teachers outline the Class Homework approach and activities as part of their Parent letter which is sent home at the beginning of each term. A Parent Homework Option Form accompanies this letter for Term 1 and 3. Parents are required to identify their preferred homework option and promptly return the completed form to the class teacher. The selected homework option covers two terms. Parents may only change the selected homework option at the commencement of the semester. The completion and return of homework is the joint responsibility of the student and parent in readiness for teacher marking. Parents are notified about frequent non completion of homework.

What should homework cover?

Home Reading and Journal
Response to reading
Spelling practice and/or activity
Writing task and an ongoing Maths skills component. An optional activity incorporating other Curriculum areas may also be included.
Students select Home Reading books daily (Monday to Thursday)
Students return Home Reading books with Reading Log completed and signed by parents daily (Tuesday to Friday)
Maximum daily reading time is 10 minutes for parent/adult to share books together
No books go home on Fridays. The weekend is a great time to catch up on favourite story books and library books

Maximum Guideline Times for Homework

Transition - Home Reading Program (Homework is not formally set at this level.)
Year 1 - 10 minutes
Years 2 and 3 - 15 minutes
Years 4 and 5 - 20 minutes
Year 6 - 30 minutes

Frequency of Homework

Homework is generally set on Monday and collected on Friday of each week. The Homework may then be organised and completed at the discretion of the family ie daily spread evenly over each night from Monday to Thursday or completed on one or two nominated nights.

Strive and Grow with Respect and Co-operation