Homework – Lower School

Homework can support higher levels of student achievement by extending the time available for students to consolidate skills and concepts learned at school. It also extends the time available for the exploration of new ideas and new situations. Homework can also extend the time available to the teacher for the monitoring of student progress.

School Responsibility

• advise students clearly and accurately of the policy
• set clear and reasonable deadlines
• encourage and support a planned approach to major projects
• penalise late work (such as being assessed on a mark deduction basis)
• return homework within a week
• penalise work which has been directly copied (plagiarised) from unacknowledged sources
• contact parents about late, lost or substandard work.

Student Responsibility

• understand clearly what has to be done and when it is due
• use the homework diary
• find out what was missed if absent when homework was given out
• prepare a homework/study timetable based on the school’s recommendations
• ask for help when difficulties with homework arise, well before the work is due.

How Parents Can Help:

• Know the school’s recommendations regarding time allocation for homework/study.
• Encourage the preparation of a homework/study timetable.
• Show interest by asking about homework.
• Encourage the proper use of the homework diary and sign it every week.
• Encourage the completion of all homework.
• Provide a note requesting an extension if there is a valid reason. Lack of organisation is not a valid reason. The consequence of not submitting work may be a good learning experience.
• Arrange to see teachers if there is an ongoing problem.
• Don’t feel bad if unable to help your child all the time.
• Provide a desk or table and ensure the area is quiet and has good lighting and ventilation.

Homework and Study

• Homework is work to be done at home set by the teacher.
• Study is revising, learning and broadening knowledge.
• Homework is compulsory.
• Study is voluntary.
• A good student will fit in homework and study each week.

Time Allocation

We recommend that total time needed at home is as follows:

Note: Additional information on homework is provided in the Willetton Senior High School Homework Diary which is issued to all students.