Homework is an important part of your child's learning.
On this page
Types of homework, how you can help, homework in secondary school, questions or concerns about homework.
Homework gives your child a chance to:
- work through the things they have learnt at school
- strengthen their long-term understanding of the topic or activity
- develop study skills that they will use for the rest of their life.
Homework is also a chance for you to get involved and help your child’s learning.
The type of homework set for your child will depend on:
- the subject
- the school’s homework policy
- their teacher.
These things will also influence the length of the homework and the level of difficulty.
Practice exercises
Practice exercises are things like:
- math problems
- essay writing
- practising words and phrases learnt in another language
- practising sports skills
- playing a musical instrument
- other creative tasks.
Practice exercises give your child the chance to:
- apply new knowledge
- understand and go over what they have learnt in school.
Homework that introduces a subject or topic
This type of homework gives your child the chance to learn about a topic before their teacher covers it. This helps your child prepare and understand future lessons.
Examples of this type of homework include:
- reading about history
- reading English texts so that the class can talk about them together
- researching topics for class work
- collecting newspaper articles
- watching the news.
Homework that builds on what they already know
This type of homework is sometimes called extension work or extension assignments.
This type of work helps your child to build on what they already know. It also allows them to do this in their own way.
Examples include:
- writing a book review
- making artwork
- completing science experiments or investigations
- researching local news
- finding information on the internet.
There are lots of ways you can help your child with their homework.
Find resources on the home work topic
Use the FUSE website to find teaching materials and resources that can help with homework.
Encourage a homework routine
Help your child to do their homework at the same time everyday.
Some children concentrate better in the mornings. Some are better in the afternoons. Choose a time that works best for your child.
Having a regular homework time will set your child up with good study habits. This will help them throughout school and beyond.
Set up a comfortable space
Your child will find it much easier to do their homework if they have a comfortable space.
This could be a space in their bedroom, in your study or in the family room. If you don't have a space at home you could think about going to a library.
A good homework space:
- is comfortable – not too hot, not too cold and has plenty of fresh air
- has good light – use a good lamp or overhead light if the space is dark
- has all the things they need to do their work: think about stationery, a computer, a printer
- is free from distractions such as the television or computer games.
Think about a study group
Some children study better with others. If you think this would help your child you could start a study group with a few of their friends.
Take turns hosting the group at each house.
Talk to your child about their homework
Don't be afraid to talk to your child about what they are learning.
- what is easy
- what is difficult
- what they find interesting about it
By starting a conversation you will be able to help them plan their homework and suggest resources they can use to help with their work. Encourage them to tackle the difficult work first while they are fresh.
Celebrate their successes and achievements
Attend school events, productions or award ceremonies your child is in. Show them your support.
Your child's homework will become harder and more frequent in secondary school.
You can help your child create a homework timetable so they can keep track of their work. This should be a task you do together.
Use a diary or a calendar and:
- enter the dates and times of your child's non-homework activities, like sport activities, house work, reading time
- get your child to list all their homework tasks for the week and when they are due
- ask your child to estimate how long each task will take to complete
- break up big tasks into small chunks
- colour-code each subject so that your child can see at a glance what they will work on
- allow 10–15 minute breaks for every hour of study
- allow breaks for mealtimes and encourage your child to eat with the rest of the family – this should be away from their desk or workspace.
Talk to your child's teacher or school if you have questions about homework or you believe your child needs extra help.
Updated 11 December 2023
Policy last updated
15 June 2020
On this page:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure all schools work with their school communities to develop and communicate a considered homework policy.
- Victorian government schools are required to have a homework policy and communicate it to staff, parents/carers and students.
- The content of this policy is not prescribed, but should be evidence-informed and comprehensive, and must be developed in consultation with the school community.
- School council approval of a school’s homework policy is not required.
- A homework policy template is available on the School Policy Templates Portal External Link (staff login required); schools are encouraged to adapt this template to suit their needs.
Victorian government schools are required to have a homework policy.
The content of this policy is not prescribed by the Department, but should be evidence-informed and comprehensive, outlining:
- a rationale for the elements of the school’s policy
- the responsibilities and expectations of teachers, students and parents/carers in setting, completing, monitoring and responding to homework
The school’s homework policy must be developed in consultation with the school council, as representatives of the school community, and school staff and students. School council approval of a school’s homework policy is not required.
Victorian government schools must periodically communicate their homework policy to staff, parents, carers and students through available communication channels (such as the school newsletter, or by placing the policy on the school’s website).
The setting of homework can be seen as one way of:
- complementing and reinforcing classroom learning
- fostering good lifelong learning and study habits
- developing self-regulation processes such as goal-setting, self-efficacy, self-reflection and time management
- supporting partnerships with parents/carers by connecting families with the learning of their children
The effectiveness of homework can be enhanced when:
- it is set at an appropriate level for each student, supporting those who are experiencing difficulty and extending those of high-ability
- it is related to essential learning at school
- choice in tasks is provided
- it is assessed by teachers, either formally or informally, with feedback provided
- it supports students to have a balance of school-related and non-school related activity in their lives (i.e. where the amount of homework set provides sufficient additional time for students to engage with family, sport and recreation, cultural pursuits and employment, where appropriate)
Definitions
Homework Tasks assigned to students by school teachers that are meant to be carried out during non-school hours.
There is no further guidance for this topic. For more information, refer to Resources tab.
Template homework policies, for both primary and secondary school, are available on the School Policy Templates Portal External Link (login required). Schools can modify the template to suit their local circumstances.
Reviewed 09 January 2020
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Summary. Victorian government schools are required to have a homework policy and communicate it to staff, parents/carers and students. The content of this policy is not prescribed, but should be evidence-informed and comprehensive, and must be developed in consultation with the school community. School council approval of a school's homework ...
Homework is also a chance for you to get involved and help your child's learning. Types of homework. The type of homework set for your child will depend on: their age; the subject; the school's homework policy; their teacher. These things will also influence the length of the homework and the level of difficulty. Practice exercises
Template homework policies, for both primary and secondary school, are available on the School Policy Templates Portal (login required). ... We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples. Accessibility;
POLICY. by the teacherwhere appropriate, provide opportunities for parents/carers to partner in their chi. Prep to Year 4In the early years, the objective of homework is to practise and consolidate the concepts that have been introduced du. ing class time. It is also intended to introduce the concepts of self-discipline and responsibility and ...
Year 4, 5 to Year 6. In these year levels, the objective of homework is to build on the concepts of self-discipline and responsibility. Assigned homework tasks will include daily independent reading and may include extension assignments, class work and research. Students are generally not expected to spend more than 45 minutes per day on homework.
The College Council has developed and published a homework policy as follows: ion) - Year 9All families will be advised of the homework expectations at the beginn. g of the year.The school will provide parents/carers with a copy of the school's. mework policy.The school will follow up with parents/carers if a student regularly fails to co.
School's expectations for homework and at-home learning. SCOPE This policy applies to students in all year levels and staff responsible for setting homework. POLICY North Melbourne Primary School acknowledges that homework should be tailored and adapted to suit the personal and developmental needs of students.
spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage parents/carers to speak to their child's teacher. RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES Homework - Department Policy REVIEW PERIOD This policy was last updated on 26th May, 2021 and is scheduled for review as part of the school's 3 year review cycle. This policy was last ...
complementing and reinforcing classroom learning fostering good lifelong learning and study habits. providing an opportunity for students to become responsible for their own learning. developing self-regulation processes such as goal-setting, self-efficacy, self-reflection and time management. supporting partnerships with parents by connecting ...
Avila College Homework Policy o being aware of the school's homework policy o discussing homework expectations with parents or carers o completing homework tasks within set timeframes o following up on feedback given by teachers o seeking assistance when difficulties arise o organising their time to manage family commitments, participation in ...
and provide them with access to the homework policy . Responsibilities and expectations for . teachers at the VSL are to: • set homework that is curriculum-aligned and appropriate to the student's skill level and age • ensure homework tasks are purposeful - this means they are deliberately designed and planned to support
• advise teachers, students and parents/carers of homework expectations at the beginning of the school year and provide them with access to the homework policy. Responsibilities and expectations for teachers at Doncaster Primary School are to: • set homework that is curriculum-aligned and appropriate to the student's skill level and age
period of time completing their homework, we encourage them to speak to their classroom teachers. Additional information and resources: Homework - Department Policy Evaluation: This policy will be reviewed as part of the school's three-four year review cycle. This policy was last endorsed by School Council in: August 2020
The Committee's report has considered a range of issues including the homework debate and international comparisons, the homework policy landscape in Victoria, some of the factors that might impact on the effectiveness of homework and some of the disadvantages that may arise from homework and what is being done to mitigate these disadvantages.
Homework Policy & Guidelines Rationale 'As part of a comprehensive and balanced curriculum' at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, 'homework is seen as one way of supporting and fostering life-long learning and connecting families with the learning of their children' (Homework Guidelines, Department of Education, Victoria). Policy Statement
advising parents/carers of homework expectations at the beginning of the school year and provide them with a copy of the homework policy ensuring students use diaries to record their own homework (either by hand or digitally) using Compass to provide regular communication between parents and the school. It is expected teachers will:
Phone: (03) 8682 2800. Email: [email protected]. Read official terms of reference for more. Received from the Legislative Assembly on 26 November 2013. To the Education and Training Committee — for inquiry, consideration and report no later than 4 September 2014 on the approaches to homework in Victorian schools, focusing on the ...
Homework Policy . R E S P E C T H O N E S T Y IN T E G R IT Y T R U S T It is expected that teachers will: equip students with the skills to solve problems encourage real-life problem solving, logical thinking, creativity and imagination set varied, challenging and meaningful tasks related to class work to suit the students' learning needs ...
This policy applies to students in all year levels and staff responsible for setting homework. Policy Altona College acknowledges that homework should be tailored and adapted to suit the personal and developmental needs of students. Teachers at Altona College are encouraged to exercise their discretion in assigning tasks that are
Return to Homework Homework; Home Policy and Advisory Library Homework Guidance School operations Homework. Policy Guidance Resources Guidance. There is no further guidance for this topic. ... We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples ...
Policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure all schools work with their school communities to develop and communicate a considered homework policy. Summary. Victorian government schools are required to have a homework policy and communicate it to staff, parents/carers and students.
File Name & Address: Homework Policy 2017 Date for Review: Reviewer: AL-TAQWA COLLEGE HOMEWORK POLICY RATIONALE & PURPOSE Homework is a valuable part of schooling. ... * ATC Homework Policy is informed by the Victoria State Government Education & Training School Policy and Advisory Guide on Homework . POLICY LEADER: Heba Hallak (Compliance ...
Policy. Templestowe College has developed this Home Learning and Homework Policy in consultation with members of the school community to support student learning and wellbeing by: providing opportunities for students to review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills. providing opportunities for students to apply new knowledge.