Parent/carer engagement in learning is known to lead to improved outcomes for students of all ages. Engagement with homework provides opportunities to gain information about the curriculum as well as the types of content and skills currently being studied. This engagement also models positive educational values and aspirations for our students' success. Students benefit from the world views, knowledge and capacities that exist within diverse families and family contacts.

This article provides advice for families about ways in which support processes for homework can be developed.

Study environment

Establishing an effective home study environment together with your daughter will support her making best use of her time. The Study Skills Handbook suggests the following are aspects of a good home study environment:

• Quiet and private space.
• Distraction free.
• Ergonomic set up.
• Regular breaks.
• Good lighting.
• Ventilation (fresh air).
• Clear workspace.
• Storage space.

One further piece of advice for establishing a good home study environment is to ensure that mobile phones are not within reach of the study environment. Research has shown the mere presence of a mobile phone negatively impacts a student’s performance because it affects their concentration. Phone use should be restricted to periods before and after homework sessions.  

How much homework

Quality homework rather than large amounts of homework is important. Homework should aim to extend and consolidate work done in class. Work at home may also include project-based assessment tasks.  The College Homework Policy, available on the College Website (https://www.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/about/policies/) provides examples of the main types of homework and study that may be assigned.

Whilst there is no set time for homework at St Patrick’s College, it is suggested that the following times be used as a guide:

The best way to locate the timetable is to switch back to Portal Version 1 (top right), then select Timetable from the left navigation menu. A ten-day timetable is available for printing. The timetable includes the subject code and the name of the class teacher. Make an appointment to see or speak with the teacher if homework is causing distress; the amount of homework is crowding sleep or family time or if homework is causing your child to hate school. The best way to contact a teacher is to send an email (your daughter will have her teachers' email addresses) and set a time for a phone call.

Time management

Time management is about planning and controlling the amount of time we spend on specific tasks. This skill is not naturally ‘developed’ as a person grows - it must be explicitly taught and modelled. Teaching time management supports students in their development of independent strategies and in taking ownership of their homework processes.

Good time management practices can be taught by creating a study timetable. A study timetable can help to manage the competing needs of school and out of school commitments. Elevate Education has some useful advice on how to create a study timetable and they offer downloadable templates to support the process https://austudent.elevateeducation.com/media/books-planner/study-timetable.

A final word from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that the children are growing up! However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg offers further advice for parents on the topic of school transition and homework at our School TVportal.

The College is exploring ways in which we can more effectively partner with parents/carers to enhance student learning outcomes and is seeking expressions of interest for parent workshops around the theme of 'Engaging Parents in Learning'.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching