In 2017, parents were surveyed on the effects of homework to help us evaluate the performance of our home learning policy. Find more information below about home learning at Sts Peter and Paul Primary School.
Overview of home learning
Home learning consists of:
- Nightly reading
- 10 minutes literacy and numeracy consolidation three nights per week, as suggested by class teachers
- Occasional project work in the upper grades
Performance of home learning
Home learning information
Rethinking homework
Educational theorist Alfie Kohn’s paper highlights Contemporary educational research that indicates that traditional homework causes a great deal of stress to families, while providing no substantial academic benefits to student performance.
The survey results showed that 76% of respondents reported that homework caused stress in the household sometimes or often.
An alternative solution was posed to change homework to home learning, which consists of 10 minutes of reading, numeracy consolidation three times a week and occasional project work for Years 5 and 6 students.
84% of respondents were in favour of this move.
In light of this, it has been determined that home learning, from 2018 in all grades, will consist of 10 minutes of reading and numeracy consolidation three times a week. Additionally, Years 5 and 6 students will have occasional project work sent home.
To cater for those parents/carers who still wish to engage their children in home learning optional tasks and activities, will be assigned by teachers through the school website and can be completed by students outside of school hours.
Home learning can include a variety of activities undertaken within the household to consolidate and extend learning, as well as participation in family and leisure activities.
Reading is considered an essential skill that forms the non-negotiable, compulsory component of home learning. Parents are encouraged to engage their children in reading in a variety of ways, including listening to them read aloud, reading to them and, depending on their age and development, encouraging them to read independently for enjoyment. Teachers will provide a format for recording weekly reading activities.
While home learning will not be formally marked, teachers set time for students to share and celebrate their home learning with their class on a weekly basis.