Principal: Mr. Pádraig Ó hArtaigh Class Teachers: Ms. Louise Enright Ms. Mary O’Shea Ms. Áine Walsh/Ms. Maria Moore Ms. Fiona O’Brien Mr. John Coffey Mr. Mark Nugnet Ms. Kim Daly Ms. Emma Murray Ms. Mary Beresford
S.N.A’s Ms. Anita Duggan Mr. Deaglán Ó hArtaigh Ms. Nicola Fitzgerald Ms. Lorraine Coughlan Mr. Tomás de Faoite
Introductory Statement This policy was revised in September 2018. All teachers were involved in the development of the plan. Rationale Our existing policy was due for review. Relationship of Characteristic Spirit of the School This policy encourages pupils, teachers and parents to work together on homework assignments eventually enabling pupils to take responsibility for their own work as appropriate. Aims: The purpose of this revised policy is:
To benefit pupil learning
To reinforce work done in class
To develop study skills in the middle and higher classes
To promote a similar approach to homework across all classes
To strengthen links between home and school
To help develop independent learning and organisational skills
Content of Policy General
All classes will get homework
Time Framework. 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.
Suggested approximate times for completion of homework: A.S.D. class (Senior & 1st Class) 10 mins. A.S.D class (Third & Fourth) Junior and Senior Infants 10-15 mins. (Sample in grid/pouch) 1st and 2nd Classes 10-20 mins. 3rd and 4th Classes. 30-40 mins. 5th and 6th Classes 40-50 mins.
Differentiation of homework is important. Certain students may need to be given a different task. In the senior classes in particular 15 minutes of Maths can be given instead of having a set a-h of Maths where some children finish in five minutes and others finish in twenty minutes.
Homework is given Monday to Thursday. No homework is given at weekends. No homework is given when acknowledging special occasion or achievements. (Not for birthdays).
Homework will vary between oral, reading, written and discovery learning. Middle and Senior Classes will receive more written activities than junior classes to supplement learning.
Homework is seen as reinforcement, consolidation of work covered in school and as a means of acquiring new information.
System for checking homework will be the responsibility of each class teacher.
Homework Journals and Grids will be in use from Infants to Sixth Class
Homework must be signed. If homework is not complete a note should be written in homework diary. Pupils
Pupils are expected to do Homework to the best of their ability and are always encouraged to present work in a neat and tidy manner.
Pupils are always encouraged to tell their teacher if they have any problem with their Homework.
Teachers should devise a “if stuck” system for children who are experiencing problems with their homework.
Parents/Guardians
Parents are encouraged to establish a routine for doing homework: time/place/interruption free.
Parents should have a positive and encouraging attitude towards homework.
Parents should be available to their child during the homework session but the child should be encouraged to work independently as much as possible.
Parents should inform teacher/principal of issues/difficulties with homework.
Parents are made aware at Parent/Teacher meetings that they are free to discuss with teachers at any time any problems that may arise with homework.
When considering family circumstances, language, literacy levels etc., common sense prevails.
The homework journal will be used as a means of liaison between home and school and should be signed each night.
Explanation sheet can be sent out for other classes detailing what is expected for homework from time to time.
Where homework is not completed/attempted a note should be sent from home.
It is up to the discretion of the teacher to reassign uncompleted homework for a child to complete at break or as extra homework for that night.
Success Criteria The success of this policy will continue to be measured by the contentment of teachers, parents and pupils with it. Roles and Responsibilities
The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all teachers in the school.
The principal will have overall responsibility.
Implementation Date Being an amended and updated policy it will be implemented immediately. Timetable The policy will be reviewed at the end of the school year.