At all times it is strongly noted within the Strathpine State School community that set Homework should be functional, purposeful and sympathetic to student needs.     

• Stories
• Reports
• Illustrations
• Learning sight words, poems, songs
• Unfinished class work/worksheets

Expectations

The setting of homework by the teachers of Strathpine State School is given careful consideration in order to cater for the students academic, social, emotional and physical development and are consistent with the Education Queensland “Homework Guidelines 2006”. The work set for students should reflect the professional judgements of the teaching staff and take in considerations such as individual expectations and modifications (e.g. special needs students), special circumstances such as parental shift work, illness, holidays and sporting commitments.

It is a reasonable expectation that Homework set for students be completed by the due date and to a standard commensurate to the student’s age/ability level. It is recognised that from time to time students may experience difficulties in completing their set homework and is expected that student/parent inform the child’s teacher in order for the most appropriate intervention strategy to be put in place.

Consequences

The completion/non-completion of set Homework will directly/indirectly have consequences on the individual students progress. The completion/non-completion of Homework is sanctioned by Strathpine State Schools Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students. Sample consequences that could be utilized are:-

Positive Consequences:

v    Improved academic understanding/performance

v    Positive reflection recorded on child’s academic report

v    Rewards for:-

• Completion
• On-time
• Appropriate presentation
• Quality

v    Rewards can be in the form of:-

• Stickers
• Stamps
• Homework Holiday
• Student of the Week Awards
• Classroom privileges
• Visits to Administration
• Happygrams to Parents

Negative Consequences:

v    Homework completed with class teacher during lunch break (20 minutes)

v    Homework to be completed over weekend – ˝ credit only.

v    Homework to be completed before school with class teacher (to be negotiated between teacher and student).

v    Continued non-completion of Homework communicated to parents by classroom teacher.

v    Parent, Student, Teacher, Admin conference to discuss future options, responsibilities, Individual Homework Management Plan

v    Change in Behaviour Level for students unwilling to fulfil obligations.

Homework Guidelines      appendix 1

New homework guidelines for Queensland state schools will help children establish a balanced lifestyle that allows time for activities with family and friends.

The guidelines provide our school with the chance to develop our own homework policy in consultation with parents, to ensure a common-sense framework for students, teachers and parents.

The homework guidelines for different age groups are as follows:

In the Prep year, generally students will not be set homework

• Homework in Years 1,2, 3 could be up to - but generally not more than - an hour each week

• Homework in Years 4 and 5 could be up to - but generally not more than - 2-3 hours each week

• Homework in Years 6 and 7 could be up to - but generally not more than - 3-4 hours each week

• Homework in Years 8 and 9 could be up to - but not more than - five hours each week

• Homework in Years 10, 11 and 12 will vary according to the young person's learning needs and individual programs of learning.

For our younger students, it is important that parents get involved by reading books to them and encouraging them in a range of activities.

For the older students, parents can help them balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television, playing sport and doing part-time work.

Good communication between teachers, students and parents is also very important to ensure students reach their full potential.