Homework Policy

School: Carlow Educate Together NS

Aims and Rationale

There has been considerable debate on whether homework has any benefit to children in primary schools. Whatever the research says, at the moment, there are many families who wish for their children to have homework for a number of reasons. 

• Preparation for second level
• Consolidating work done in school
• Families know what their child is learning in school

The school has been engaging with families since 2012 on the issue of homework and has come to the following conclusions based on the feedback and from workshops hosted by Joan Kiely, Marino College:

• Homework, if it is given, must be meaningful
• Where possible homework should be project-based 
• Homework must be differentiated
• There should be choice given in homework, that is:
  • The choice to do or not do homework
  • An element of choice as to how to present any tasks given
  • A choice insofar as not everyone is expected to do the same work
• Reading should always form part of homework
• Parents should be aware of the work being done in class

How often is homework given?

Homework is often set at the beginning of the week on SeeSaw or Google Classroom. However, some teachers set homework on a more regular basis. Homework does not have to be assigned by a teacher but if a parent wishes for homework to be given, they should request it from the teacher.

What will be assigned for homework

If a teacher is assigning formal homework, he/she must ensure that it follows the recommendations in the aims/rationale section. It should be assigned using either SeeSaw or Google Classroom. The format is as follows:

 

• Homework assigned in each area (which can include links to documents, videos, etc.)
• Parent Information about what is being covered in class (see below)*

*At least once a week, the teacher should post a note on SeeSaw/Google Classroom to summarise what is being covered in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Gaeilge

The teacher can also write a line or two about other subjects being covered. It is important for families to familiarise themselves with the learning platform and to use it for communication.

Duration of Homework

The following are guidelines for time spent at homework. Different children will complete the same homework in different lengths of time. Time spent will vary from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. It is important to remember that it is the quality and not the quantity of homework that matters. The following are general guidelines:

• Infants         –       0-20 minutes
• Rang 1 and 2   –       20 to 30 minutes
• Rang 3 and 4   –       30 to 40 minutes
• Rang 5 and 6   –       40 to 50 minutes

 

Implementation Date

• This policy will be implemented immediately from school opening on 1st September 2023. It is an amendment from the policy set in 2009.