From the Assistant Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last year, in Term 4, our Homework Committee distributed a survey to parents, students, and staff to gauge the ways in which our community engages in homework. Overwhelmingly, reading and numeracy skills were seen as a priority. Families who participated in the survey also let us know that they have limited time each night to dedicate to homework. The committee developed an agreed practice which considers these responses, and this was presented to staff and to the Community Council for their approval.
While research into the benefits of homework have produced mixed results, a recent study suggests that there is little evidence that the amount of homework time assigned to primary school children is related to their academic achievement (Jerrim, Lopez-Agudo, & Marcnearo-Gutierre, 2022). Hattie’s synthesis of five meta-analyses on primary and secondary homework (2009) found that, overall, the effect size for homework across primary and secondary schooling was not significant. Another systematic review of homework practices (Horsley, & Walker, 2013) concluded that homework has a positive, but minor, effect on student achievement overall.
However, we know that homework can be a positive experience for students if the tasks are achievable and can be completed independently. Further, homework can help to build skills in time management and organisation. It also assists students to retain information, improve their study skills and demonstrate learning outside of school. We also recognise the importance of family life and the need for children to participate in family and community activities.
At St Matthew’s, we believe that homework:
- creates an important link between school and home;
- develops personal responsibility, time management and organisational skills; and
- provides opportunities to consolidate classroom learning.
Families can now find a copy of our Agreed Practice for Homework on our school website. We’re very grateful to the members of staff who formed our Homework Committee for their research and expertise which was used to develop our new approach.
NAPLAN
Alongside our peers in all other schools in Australia, our Year 3 and 5 students completed four NAPLAN tests during the last few weeks. Our students should be congratulated for the focused and cooperative approach they brought to these tests. As it is now online, NAPLAN presents a range of challenges in terms of resourcing, timing, and technology, and I thank our Year 3 and 5 teachers and all of the students for their organisation, composure and good humour, which served us well when preparation and administration of the tests became a bit tricky.
Petra Cole
Assistant Principal
petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au