Homework
While children are at Primary School they are introduced to many extra-curricula activities which can help them, now and later, to lead full lives - Cubs, Brownies, learning to play a musical instrument, rugby, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, singing, gymnastics etc. It is important that homework should not prevent children from taking part in these social, cultural and physical pursuits. At the same time, the habit of regular work at home is a worthwhile one. It requires self-organisation by the child, provides opportunities for practice with reinforcement of work undertaken at school and affords parents opportunities of finding out something of their child's work and work habits in various fields.
In the Junior Syndicate this will mainly take the form of reading. Children will be given books, at their own individual reading level, to take home to be read to parents. The importance of taking an interest in your child's reading, not only at this but at later levels cannot be overstressed and your co-operation in this matter is eagerly anticipated.. Reading books are costly and receive a great deal of wear and we ask parents to see that the books are returned to school in good order the next day.
The students in the Middle Syndicate are required to complete homework tasks set by the individual classroom teacher. Students are usually required to spend 20 - 30 minutes per night on assigned tasks. Homework tasks set are based on work that is or has been part of the classroom programme.
In the Senior Syndicate a wider variety of home activities will likely be carried out, but these should not exceed 30 minutes in Years 5 and 6 or an hour in Years 7 and 8. Teachers will endeavour to make it clear just what each child is expected to do on a given night, Monday to Thursday. Work set will be work that the child should be able to do him/herself with material brought from school or known to be readily available at home. Here again parental interest in homework is not only welcome but also desirable.
|
