Statement of intent
Each state school has a homework policy, developed in consultation with the school community. The Birkdale South State School Homework Policy is endorsed by the P&C Association. Homework is a valued personal study habit which is essential to student success. Birkdale South State School provides homework that enhances student learning. Homework given:
Is purposeful and relevant to student’s needs.
Is appropriate to the phase of learning, early or middle.
Is appropriate to the capacity of the student (appraised students or students with disability have differentiated homework).
Develops the student’s independence as a learner.
Is varied, and clearly related to class work.
Birkdale South State School homework can engage students in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class through:
Revision and critical reflection to consolidate learning (practising mastery).
Applying knowledge and skills in new contexts (a topic of interest, an authentic local issue).
Pursuing knowledge individually and imaginatively (investigating, researching, writing, designing, making).
Preparing for forthcoming classroom learning (collecting relevant materials, items, information).
Responsibilities
School
- The school homework policy has been developed in consultation with the school community, particularly the Parents and Citizens’ Association.
- The school homework policy is distributed to school staff at the commencement of the school year during the January Student Free Day.
- The school homework policy is distributed to students, parents and caregivers at time of enrolment and can be readily accessed via the school website.
- The school homework policy is included as part of the annual schooling reporting process.
Teachers will help students establish a routine of regular, independent study by:
Students will be assisted to take responsibility for their own learning by:
- Ensuring all equipment required to complete homework tasks is accessible at home.
- Accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time frames.
- 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.
The role of parents and caregivers:
Parents and caregivers can help their children by:
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Encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their learning.Contacting the class teacher to discuss any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework.
Considering student’s other commitments when setting homework
In determining homework, the class teacher will consider that students may be engaging in many different activities outside of school. These may include physical activities and sports, recreational and cultural pursuits.
Time Expectations
As a guide we expect the duration of homework task should fall within the listed time allocations:
Prep Parents are encouraged to read to their children and talk about daily activities moving into more formal homework as the year progresses
Year 1-3 1 hour a week
Year 4-5 Up to but no more than 2-3 hours per week
Year 6 Up to but not more than 3-4 hours per week
Specific Homework tasks may include but are not limited to:
Early Phase (Prep –to Year 2)
Home reading Program
Phonics
Sight words
Spelling words
Vocabulary building
Number facts
Online learning opportunities that are individualised and linked directly to Australian Curriculum outcomes through the use of programs such as Mathletics and Reading Eggs.
Opportunities to prepare for oral presentations
Opportunities to write for a purpose
Maths concepts and reinforcement of class tasks
Middle Phase (Year 3 to Year 6)
Home reading program
Spelling
Vocabulary building
Maths concepts or number fact revision or problem solving
Opportunities to prepare for oral presentations
Preparation for research or project tasks
Extension or completion of set class work
Online learning opportunities that are individualised and linked directly to Australian Curriculum outcomes through the use of programs such as Mathletics and Reading Express.