St. Kevin's National School, Greystones

St. Kevin's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Homework Policy

Introduction

The homework policy for St. Kevin's has been under review since October 2000. It was felt there was a need to co-ordinate our approach as our transition from Boys' Senior School to Vertical co-education school is nearing completion. This review was undertaken by Emer Breen. A questionnaire to examine current practices in the school was circulated to all teachers in October 2000. The information provided was used as the basis for a first draft. Meetings were held and all teachers provided feedback. A sample of twenty-two 5 and 6 class pupils were also asked for their views and a combination of all this information was used to compile this Homework policy.

St. Kevin's Homework Policy

As education is a partnership between school and home, we believe homework is an integral and beneficial link in our home/school communication. It enables the parents to keep abreast of what their child is learning and involves the parent in the learning process. Homework allows the child to become progressively more independent and responsible for its own learning. To enable the child to benefit fully from homework it is of utmost importance that parents support both their child and the school. To consolidate these links we use a Homework Journal from 1 class in which homework is recorded each day. This is a valuable link between school and home and is ideal for notes about school absences, homework difficulties and dental appointments etc.

Homework should be a positive experience for children. The staff of St. Kevin's, in consultation with pupils and parents, have formulated the following guidelines for parents to help and support their child with their homework.

At the beginning of each school year, guidelines will be issued by each teacher outlining their expectations for their particular class. Junior class teachers will speak to parents at reception class meetings and also communicate by letter. If your child does their homework with another person (i.e. child-minder) these guidelines should be discussed with them also. At this stage homework is a partnership between child and parent as it involves reading to the child, reading with the child and hearing the child read. Homework should be an enjoyable experience and is fulfilling for both parent and child at this stage. A positive approach at the beginning will reap enormous reward later on.

At middle and senior level Guidelines will be by written communication to parents ands will also be explained in class. Lay-out and standards of presentation will be guided by the teacher and parents are asked to support the teacher in this area.

Homework is given Monday to Thursday nights only and usually involves some written work, reading and learning, depending on the class level. The work set is prepared and checked in school each day.
A child who has been absent or having difficulties in a particular area may be encouraged to do a little extra at the weekend. Again the support of the parent is necessary as repeated absences through illness or other reasons can have an adverse effect on the child's progress.

A specific time should be set aside each evening to establish a routine. It is a good idea for the child to have a break after school but try not to leave it too late to start homework. Try and find a space that is quiet and with enough room to lay out book and copies. It is not a good idea to have the television on! Check the Homework Journal, when each task is completed tick it off and sign the space allotted.

If your child is having problems, help where you can, but put a note in their journal so their teacher is aware of their difficulty. During assembly time (between 8.50 -9.10 a.m.) is a good time to ask the teacher for help before new work is taught to class. If a particular area is causing repeated difficulty make an appointment to see the teacher to discuss how best it can be remedied.

All children are unique and will spend varying times doing their homework. Their teacher will give guidelines as to the approximate time to be set aside. If your child is taking a much longer time completing their work check they are working consistently. Allow them to stop and write a note to the teacher stating the time spent. Again make an appointment to discuss the problem with the teacher if it continues. Some children finish their work very quickly and they can be encouraged to use reference books to add to the information in their textbooks.

Sometimes children can forget to bring the necessary books home. Encourage a sense of responsibility and allow them to "phone a friend" and get the necessary information. If a copy is forgotten a page from another copy can be used. Again any difficulties that arise may be explained in the homework journal. Incomplete homework without a note from the parent will be expected to be completed at home by the next school day. This will be marked in the journal and parents are asked to sign it.

Difficulties can arise at home that have an adverse effect on your child's performance. Please let us know, as allowances will be made to help in any way we can. All information is held in the strictest confidence.
Each year your child should take a little more responsibility for homework. In Junior Infants this can mean being responsible for taking their books out of their bags and putting them back in again. By sixth class, pupils should be expected to work fairly independently as a preparation for secondary school, but it is a good idea to check their work on a regular basis.

St. Kevin's believes in positive reinforcement and each teacher operates a merit system whereby merits are awarded for improved work, kindness and being helpful in school. A homework pass is sometimes issued allowing the pupil night off written homework. This can be used in consultation with the teacher who will then mark it into the Homework Journal.

Throughout their period in St. Kevin's we endeavour to foster good study practices in our pupils that will prepare them for the next phase of their education in secondary school. We hope these guidelines will be of use to you working with your child at home.

Ratified by Staff:18 May 2001

Ratified by Parents' Association Committee:May 2001

Ratified by Board of Management:12 September 2001

Circulated to Parents:September 2001