Homework Policy

Introduction

In formulating this policy, the authors were mindful of the ethos of the school as outlined in
the school’s mission statement. In particular, the homework policy aims to enable ‘each child
to realise his or her potential as a unique individual’ and ‘to prepare them for further education
and lifelong learning’. Furthermore, the policy promotes partnership with parents/guardians as
one of its main aims.
The specific aims and objectives of the policy are:
 to maximise the learning of all children.
 to reinforce work done in the classroom.
 to develop study skills and self discipline to enhance learning.
 to strengthen links between home and school.
 to promote a consistent approach to homework throughout the school.

Assignment of Homework
Homework will be assigned by the class teacher Monday to Thursday (inclusive). Homework
will not generally be given on Fridays. Weekend homework may be set in exceptional
circumstances when homework has not been completed or as a sanction for breach of school
rules. To mark a special occasion, as a treat or as a reward, the class teacher or principal may
occasionally decide not to set any homework.
Homework will normally be prepared by the class teacher to reinforce what has been learned
at school. However, there will be occasions, especially in middle and senior classes, where
homework will provide opportunities for the child to be creative, to research a topic or work
on a project.
It is expected that homework will be completed by each child to the best of their ability.
Teachers undertake to correct homework consistently. For children in middle and senior
classes, in the interest of fairness and equity to all, particularly the vast majority of children in
the school who do their homework to the best of their ability, children who choose not do their
homework or who do not endeavour to do their homework to the best of their ability on a
regular basis may be required to attend to this work at school during their recreational time
under the supervision of their class teacher or another member of staff.

Homework Guidelines
Individual teachers will decide on the homework they consider appropriate to their class,
mindful of the following guidelines:
 Homework will consist of a balance between reading, writing and learning tasks.
 Pupils will be encouraged to see the intrinsic value of reading and learning tasks.
 The homework set will be achievable.
 The individual needs of children, especially those with learning or language
difficulties, will be taken into account.
 There will be consistency of approach throughout the school.
 Homework for senior classes will occasionally provide an opportunity for research
and creativity.
  The difficulties faced by parents/guardians for whom English is not a first language
will be taken into account and addressed by the class teacher.
 Recommendations outlined below are general guidelines. Teachers will use their own
discretion regarding the time and content for individual children and classes.
Junior Infants
 talking about pictures, rhymes, stories
 listening to stories
 revising words on wordsheets and in wordboxes
 reading with parent/guardian
 some colouring
Time: 10 minutes approx.
Senior Infants
 talking about pictures, rhymes and stories
 using full sentences in response to questions
 revising words on wordsheets and in wordboxes
 reading books with parent/guardian/older sibling
 reading pages from class text book
 occasional worksheet
Time: 10-15 minutes approx.
First Class
 Maths or English written work
 English reading
 English spellings
 Tables
Time: 15-20 minutes approx.

Second Class
 Maths
 English written work
 English spellings
 English reading
 Tables
 Activities in relation to preparation for First Eucharist
Time: 20-30 minutes approx.
Third Class
 Maths
 English reading
 English written work (may include History, Geography or other subject areas)
 English spellings
 Tables
 Occasional Irish sentences for reading
Time: 30-40 minutes approx.
Fourth Class
 Maths
 Tables
  Written work, e.g. English, Irish, other subjects, project work etc.
 English reading
 English spellings
 Irish reading
 Irish spellings
Time: 40-45 minutes approx.
Fifth Class
 Maths
 Tables
 Written work, e.g. English, Irish, other subjects, project work etc.
 English reading
 English spellings
 Irish reading
 Irish spellings
Time: 50-60 minutes approx.
Sixth Class
 Maths
 Tables
 Written work, e.g. English, Irish, other subjects, project work etc.
 English reading
 English spellings
 Irish reading
 Irish spellings
Time: 50-60 minutes approx.
Homework in Senior classes will occasionally include learning of poetry, songs etc.

Roles and Responsibilities

Parents/Guardians
The role of the parent/guardian should reflect the stated aims of providing a link between the
parent/guardian and teacher, and an opportunity for the parent/guardian to become more
involved in the child’s learning. Parents/guardians can help the child by:
 providing a suitable place and a regular time for homework as suits the demands of the
household.
 checking the Homework Journal (First to Sixth class) every day for set homework and
other notes.
 listening to reading and spellings.
 becoming involved in project work.
 providing some help, if needed, but without doing the work for the child.
 ensuring the homework is completed to the best of the child’s ability.
 signing the Homework Journal when the work is completed.
 communicating with the class teacher if homework is not done.
 communicating with the class teacher if the child is unable to complete the homework
or is taking much longer than the recommended time. The recommended content and
 times outlined above are mere guidelines. Different children will complete the same
homework in different times and times will vary from day to day. However, homework
should not be a cause of continued stress.
Teacher
The role of the teacher in assigning homework should reflect the stated aims of the homework
policy in reinforcing what has been learned during the day, developing study skills and
providing a link between parent/guardian and teacher. The teacher will:
 set homework in accordance with guidelines.
 ensure homework is written down.
 take time in First class to establish the routine of using a Homework Journal.
 check and correct homework regularly.
 check journals regularly and note correspondence from parents/guardians, especially
if the child is having difficulties.
 inform parents/guardians if homework is unsatisfactory.
 provide examples of how homework should be completed where necessary, e.g. new
topic in Maths.
 inform parents/guardians of children in Infant classes of topics being covered in class
to allow them an opportunity to reinforce topics at home. This can be done by posting
notes in the classroom window or sending notes home.