Homework Policy

St. Patrick’s N.S

Homework Policy

St Patrick’s N.S. values the importance of a link with the home and parents/guardians. Through homework parents/guardians can be involved in and monitor the progress of their children. Through this policy we hope to strengthen positive home-school links and promote a partnership in education.

This homework policy was formulated by the staff, in consultation with the Parents Association and approved by the Board of Management. It outlines reasons for homework, types of homework that may be given, recommended times to be spent on homework, advice on conditions that should be available to the pupil and what to do if problems arise.

Rationale

The need to redraft and amend the homework policy of the school can be attributed to the following:-

• Further strengthening of home-school links
• Reinforcing the learning experienced by the child during the school day
• Ensuring clarity as to the recommended time to be spent on homework.

Relationship to School Ethos

St. Patrick’s N.S. seeks to enable each child to develop his/her potential.

Homework encourages pupils to work independently and take responsibility for their assignments.

The school also encourages the active involvement of parents/guardians working with their children to help promote a positive attitude to homework.

Aims and Objectives

The primary objectives of the policy are:-

• To strengthen learning through reinforcement of the class work
• To enable the children develop a sense of responsibility and independence
• To enhance self-esteem through the provision of a work menu that is appropriate
• To foster self-discipline and study skills
• To promote consistency and a uniform approach to homework across all classes
• To further develop links between home and school.

Guidelines

• All classes, from junior infants to sixth get homework
• Homework is assigned based on children’s needs and abilities.
• Oral, reading and written work may be assigned.
• Homework is a reinforcement of work done in class and is explained to children in advance.
• First to sixth class record homework daily in a homework journal.
• Parents/guardians are requested to sign all homework journals to

indicate that it is of an acceptable standard.

• Journals are regularly checked by class teacher and/or Principal.
• Homework is given Monday – Thursday. Children from 3rd to 6th may be

required to undertake project work at weekends.

• A copy of this homework policy is available to parents via the school website.
• Teachers correct written work promptly. Spellings/tables are checked

weekly. In junior classes, reading/sounds are heard regularly.

• If homework is not done/or completed to an acceptable standard, it must be

re-done, and parents are informed via the homework journal.

• Homework that is particularly well done may be rewarded with stickers/stamps/certificates.
• Homework is not linked to behaviour but occasionally children are rewarded with a homework pass if they have worked/behaved well.
• Special homework may be given to a child who attends Learning Support. This homework is to be completed before the class teacher’s homework.
• Reading is routinely given as homework and is of equal importance to written homework.
• If homework causes stress and worry to the child, parents/guardians are asked to speak to the class teacher. If homework cannot be completed on a particular night, parents are asked to forward a written note, and children will be asked to complete it the following night.
• Parents/guardians are advised to supervise and check homework nightly.

Time recommended: (approx..)

• Junior Infants: 5 – 10 mins
• Senior Infants 10 – 15 mins
• 1^st 25 mins
• 2^nd 20 – 30 mins
• 3^rd 30 - 45 mins
• 4th 30 – 45 mins
• 5^th 45 – 1hr 15mins
• 6^th 45– 1 hr 15 mins

Should a child consistently spend more than the recommended time parents are encouraged to speak to the class teacher.

Parents/Guardians

• Encourage a positive attitude towards homework.
• Agree with your child a set time, the same time every day for homework in a quiet environment, free from distractions
• Ensure that there is a supportive adult at hand.
• It is important that homework is done when your child is not tired and can

concentrate on the tasks in hand.

Junior Infants – 1st

• Parents/Guardians are advised to sit with their child in a quiet environment.

Content

• Oral: Phonics / Maths / Tables (1^st) / Spellings (1^st)
• Reading: Class reader / Words / Library readers
• Written: Maths/Phonics

2nd – 4th

• We request that parents monitor homework but encourage independence.
• Parents/Guardians are advised not to do the homework for the child. If your child has a difficulty please provide further explanation or easier examples. A note may be written in the homework journal explaining the problem that arose. An appointment can also be made with the class teacher to resolve any difficulties should the need arise.
• Please sign the homework journal having checked that all homework is completed to an acceptable standard. Written work should be neatly presented.
• If for some practical reason homework cannot be completed on a particular night, please forward a note to the teacher.

Content 2^nd - 4^th

• Spellings: 11-16 per week
• Tables: Addition / subtraction (2^nd), multiplication / division/Litriú Gaeilge (3^rd & 4^th)
• One page or section of reading
• One written activity (Maths/English/Gaeilge)
• Occasionally – research or project work
• Handwriting practice
• Tin whistle practice

5^th & 6th

• Children are encouraged to work independently and ask for help when needed. Parents should continue to monitor the standard of homework and sign the homework journal. Parents are asked to ensure child has an undisturbed area in which to work. It is very important to monitor non-written homework carefully.

Content 5^th – 6^th

• Personal Reading & maintain Reading Record Sheet
• Spellings: 11 English & 12 Gaeilge per week
• Gaeilge – Léitheoireacht, Gramadach, Dánta.
• 1-2 written activities per night – maths/spelling/grammar/Gaeilge/SESE
• Occasionally – topics of study or project work
• Tin whistle practice

Success Criteria

The success of this policy will be determined by:

· Feedback from teachers, pupils, parents

· Satisfactory homework exercises and assignments submitted by pupils

Roles and Responsibility

The implementation of this policy is dependent on the co-operation and collaboration of:

· Class teachers

· Resource/ Learning support teachers

· Pupils

· Principal

· Parents/guardians

We invite parents/guardians of children with special educational needs to maintain regular contact with the class teacher/resource teacher.

Implementation

The BOM will implement this policy from April 2015.

Review

This policy will be reviewed in 2018.

Ratification and Communication

This policy was communicated to the Parents’ Association in February of 2015 and ratified by the BOM in March of 2015.

Ratification and Review

This policy was reviewed by the Board of Management in Term 2, 2014/2015.