Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

www.criostri.weebly.com

Homework Policy

Scoil Chrost R
Homework Policy
Introductory Statement
This policy was formulated by the staff of Scoil Chrost R. Consultations on the purpose of
homework and its role in the education of the pupils of Scoil Chrost R were held with
representatives from the BOM, Parents, and pupils from middle and senior classes. A draft
policy was presented to the staff. Amendments were made and the final document was
presented to and ratified by the BOM.

Rationale
Homework, along with schoolwork, teacher observation, projects, portfolios, diagnostic and
standardised tests all lay the foundation for providing an overall picture of a pupils progress
and development as they move through the school.

Relationship to Characteristic Spirit

We feel it important that pupils take responsibility for their own learning and that they
develop good independent work habits. We recognise that the home has a major part to play
in the educational development of the child and we endeavour to promote opportunities for
children to work with their parents and to forge links between school and home.

Aims: Why do we give homework?

To provide pupils with the opportunity to revise and reinforce work undertaken in class.
To expand on work already undertaken in a particular subject.
To develop independent study skills.
To develop good work habits.
To reinforce the links between home and school
To encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and to see learning as
taking place outside of the school environment
It forms a link with the methods of study crucial to success at secondary school and in
later life.

Scoil Chrost R

Page 1

Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

www.criostri.weebly.com

Homework Policy

It also enables the teacher:

To monitor pupil progress with a view to improving standards.

To provide pupils and parents with clear and relevant feedback.
To suggest strategies for improvement and goals to be achieved.
To seek extra resources to support those pupils in need of additional help.
To monitor pupil progress with a view to improving standards.
To provide pupils and parents with clear and relevant feedback.
To suggest strategies for improvement and goals to be achieved.
To seek extra resources to support those pupils in need of additional help.
It also offers the teacher the opportunity to identify additional challenges/projects
which may be of benefit to the child/children.

Guidelines
Average length of time to be spent at homework by the average student each night is as
follows:Junior Infants:
Senior Infants:
1st and 2nd classes:
3rd and 4th classes:
5th and 6th classes:

10-15 minutes
15-20 minutes
20-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
45 minutes-60 minutes

All pupils are assigned homework appropriate to their age and class level. Some of their
tasks may be designed to consolidate the childs classroom learning experiences, while other
tasks will encourage the child to work independently and with initiative. Reading practice is
a priority for all children. Homework time devoted to reading and learning is as important as
written work. Children are encouraged to read for pleasure every day and parents are asked
to read often to younger children.
The type of homework to be given at each class level is as follows:Junior Infants: Oral, Reading and Written (After Halloween)
Senior Infants: Oral, Reading and Written
1st and 2nd classes: Oral, Reading, Spelling, Tables and 1 Written
3rd and 4th classes: Oral, Reading, Spelling, Tables and 2/3 Written
5th and 6th classes: Oral, Reading, Spelling, Tables and 3/4 Written
**** Written = Irish, English, Maths, History / Geography
**** Spelling = 1 block per night
**** Homework will be given on the basis of less is more
All assigned homework is relevant to the work taking place in the classroom.

Scoil Chrost R

Page 2

Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

www.criostri.weebly.com

Homework Policy

In allocating homework, consideration will be made of educational, social, family,

resource or financial factors, which might affect the pupils ability to complete
homework.
Homework is written in school journals. Time is allocated (1 st - 6th) for writing down
homework. Teachers at infant level are responsible for attaching homework sheet to
journal.
If homework is not completed regularly, the teacher contacts parents with a view to
resolving the situation.
Extra homework can be given in particular circumstances.
At the discretion of the teacher, homework is assigned Monday to Thursday. Weekend
homework for 6th class is at the discretion of the class teacher.
Parents are expected to check and sign homework journals each night. This will be
checked consistently.
Comments at the end of corrected exercises will be constructive.
Where homework is too difficult or taking too long, class teacher will prioritise subjects /
homework to be done.
In the event of a child being absent for a prolonged period of time (i.e. 2-3 weeks),
guidelines of work to be covered, will be given upon parents request.
Class teacher will check at intervals to see how long it is taking child to complete
homework.
Where specific procedures or methodologies apply to a homework exercise, the class
teacher will inform the parent through the homework diary.
A homework club will be operated in the school Monday Thursday. This will be coordinated by the Pupil Support Person. Criteria for selection for homework club will be
children who have been prioritised under The School Completion Programme. The
provision of this homework club is dependent on School Completion Programme
funding being available.

Success Criteria
The success of the policy will be judged by class teachers, learning support teachers, special
needs teachers, parental feedback, in relation to:
The effectiveness of the homework as a means to re-enforce work done in school.
Scoil Chrost R

Page 3

Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

www.criostri.weebly.com

Homework Policy

The response of parents and pupils in relation to the length of time the homework takes.
The quality of presentation of the homework. The emphasis will be on quality rather than
quantity.

Roles & Responsibility

The policy will be supported, developed & implemented by all teachers & support staff
of Scoil Chrost R, in conjunction with the Board of Management & parents.

Policy Ratification
The policy was ratified by the Board of Management of Scoil Chrost R at its meeting held on
.
Signed: _____________________________________ Chairperson, Board of Management

Scoil Chrost R

Page 4