Importance of Homework
Homework is important because it encourages and develops good study habits, independent learning, initiative and responsibility.

It helps students to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own, and it prepares them for secondary school.

It also promotes positive attitudes toward school because homework allows students to understand that learning can also take place outside of the classroom. Homework also provides a means by which parents can engage in and support the work of the class teacher and the school.
 
Roles:
The Principal will
  ·        Communicate the homework policy to parents
  ·        Support teachers in the implementation of the policy

Role of the Teacher

Teachers are responsible for:

• Administering homework based on the recommended homework policy
• Providing students with time to note the assignments in their diary
• Explaining how the assignment might be carried out   
• Pitching difficulty level of homework to the needs of the class
• Consulting with the Learning Support Teachers regarding needs of children availing of support.
• Praising the student for completing assignments
• Correcting assignments or monitoring children’s checking of assignments
• Providing feedback and help if necessary
   

Role of the Student
Students are expected to:
  ·        Write assignments clearly and neatly in their diary on a daily basis
  ·        Show their diary to parents and have it signed.
  ·        Complete all assignments neatly and honestly
  ·        Work independently and ask for help only when needed
  ·        Read independently (or with a family member) on a daily basis 
 
Role of the Parent 
  Parents are encouraged to:
·        Plan a homework schedule and a place free from interruptions for the child
 
·        Assist the child if necessary but not by doing the homework for the child
 
·        Check that all homework has been completed and sign the homework diary
 
·        Encourage the student and praise them when they have completed assignments
 

·        Encourage reading – either paired or independent.

Communicate with teacher if the child encounters difficulty, has spend an undue time at homework or cannot complete work due to special circumstances.


Frequency and Duration of Homework 

 It is a matter of school policy that individual teachers decide on the amount of homework which they consider appropriate. However, the following samples are guidelines on what parents can expect each evening.

Infant Classes                                   
Time :             up to10 minutes

Examples of Content:                        
Oral Homework
Talk about the pictures, sentences and rhymes
Urging children to use full sentences in response to questions
Revise words, work sheets
Reading
Occasional Worksheet in Senior Infants

First and Second Classes                             
Time:               1st Classs                     up to 15 minutes
                          2nd Classes                 up to 25 minutes

Contents:                    
Tables, Spelling
English and Irish Reading
Mathematics and English Written work
Religion

Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Classes      
Time:               3rd and 4th Classes       up to 40 minutes
                          5th and 6th Classes       up tp 60 minutes
Contents:
Tables, Irish and English Spelling
Irish and English Reading
Written work in Mathematics, English and Irish
Revision of History, Geography, S.P.H.E., Religion
Project Work (Occasionally)

No child is expected to spend more time than the upper limit on the guidelines.