Homework

Homework not only helps students consolidate their classroom learning, it lays strong foundations for lifelong learning and encourages family members to become involved in student life.

When giving homework, teachers takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, cultural pursuits and employment where appropriate.

Homework that enhances student learning:

is purposeful and relevant to students' needs
is appropriate to the students age
is appropriate to the capability of the student
develops the student's independence as a learner
is varied, challenging and clearly related to class work
allows for student commitment to recreational, employment, family and cultural activities.

State school policies

Every Queensland state school is required to develop a homework policy in consultation with the school community, particularly the Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C).

Principals are required to distribute the school homework policy to staff, students, and parents and caregivers. They also ensure the homework policy is effectively implemented throughout the school, and include an up-to-date school homework policy as part of their annual school reporting.

Teachers are required to set homework that is varied, challenging and directly related to class work and appropriate to students' learning needs. Teachers check homework regularly and provide timely and useful feedback. They are also required to discuss with parents and caregivers any developing problems concerning their child's homework and suggest strategies to assist with their homework.

Homework guidelines emphasis helping students establish a positive routine of regular, independent study, without going overboard.

Prep to Year 3

During the early years of schooling all activities at home or in play can assist children to develop literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.

Homework tasks may include:

daily reading to, with, and by parents, caregivers or other family members
linking concepts with familiar activities such as shopping, preparation of food, local environment and family outings
conversations about what is happening at school
preparation for oral presentations
opportunities to write for meaningful purposes.

In the Prep Year, generally students will not be set homework.

Homework in Years 1, 2 and 3 could be up to but generally not more than one hour per week.

Years 4 to 9

During the middle years some homework can be completed daily, over a weekly or fortnightly period and may:

include daily independent reading
co-ordination over a range of different subject areas, for example setting a task such as writing a letter (English) to the local member of parliament (Civics) about a local environmental matter (Science)
include extension of class work, projects and research.

Homework in Years 4 and 5 could be up to but generally not more than two to three hours per week.

Homework in Years 6 and 7 could be up to but generally not more than three to four hours per week.

In Year 8 and Year 9, students are given more responsibility for their own learning. They may be required to engage in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class. Homework in Years 8 and 9 could be up to but not more than five hours per week.

Years 10, 11 and 12

In the latter years of high school the amount of time devoted to homework and independent study will vary according to the student's learning needs and individual program of learning, determined through their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.

Teachers may provide students with additional work relevant to their learning however there is an expectation that young people should generally be independent learners and exercise their own judgment as to the out-of-hours time they devote to their studies. Balance should be maintained between the various demands of study, sporting and recreational and cultural or part-time employment activities.

Helping students take responsibility for their own learning

Teachers can help students establish a routine of regular, independent study by setting homework on a regular basis, explicitly teaching strategies to develop organisational and time-management skills and providing opportunities to practice these strategies through homework, while clearly communicating the purpose, benefits and expectations of homework.

Students can take responsibility for their own learning by:

being aware of the school's homework policy
discussing homework expectations with their parents or caregivers
accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set timeframes
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.

How can you help your children to learn?

Through their Parents and Citizens' Association, parents can have a key role in the development of a school's homework policy.

Parents and caregivers can help their children by:

reading to them, talking with them and involving them in tasks at home including shopping, playing games and physical activity
helping them complete homework tasks by discussing key questions, or directing them to resources
encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning and organisation of time
encouraging them to read and to take an interest in and discuss current local, national and international events
helping them balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television, playing computer games, playing sport and engaging in other recreational activities, or working part-time, and
contacting the relevant teacher to discuss any concerns about the nature of homework and their children's approach to the homework.

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This page was last reviewed on 17 Jun 2011