Homework Policy

It is a matter of school policy that individual teachers decide on the amount of homework that they consider appropriate. Children usually get homework every night from Monday to Thursday, it is rarely given on a Friday. The amount of work given varies from class to class but below is a guideline on how long homework should be taking.

Junior/Senior Infants = 15 – 20 minutes.

1st/2nd class = 20 – 30 minutes.

3rd/4th class = 30 – 40 minutes.

5th/6th class = 30 – 60 minutes.

If the homework is consistently taking the child more than these times then there should be appropriate steps taken by both the parent and the teacher.

Homework is given in the school to:

  • Reinforce work that has already been completed in school.
  • Encourage and foster good study habits at home.
  • Develop independence while studying.
  • Indicate to parents the child’s progress in school.

We would encourage parents to follow a number of strategies when interacting with their child’s homework at home.

  • By all means help and encourage the child but avoid doing the actual homework for them.
  • Create an environment for them that is conducive to work, i.e. quiet, comfortable area.
  • Try where possible to begin and complete the homework as soon as the child arrives home from school. Avoid doing work late in the evening.
  • Monitor the child’s homework and sign the copy or journal on completion of the work.
  • Communicate with the child particularly in the oral and reading aspect of homework.
  • Give them gentle encouragement and praise when they do something well.
  • As already stated, if a problem develops, contact the teacher through a written note.
  • Reading should be heard aloud from the children at home by an adult every night. The importance of this cannot be over emphasised.
  • Presentation of work is also of great importance and every effort should be made to ensure pupils consistently work to the best of their ability.
  • In the case where homework is consistently not complete or of poor quality, parents will be informed. However, this a very rare issue generally.