Homework

1. How much homework should your child be getting?

How much time should your child be spending on homework and coursework?

The Dfes suggest the following (which I think is a bit excessive):

Years 7 and 8: 45-90 minutes per day
Year 9: 1 to 2 hours per day
Years 10 and 11: 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day

(taken from the TeacherNet.gov.uk website)

These figures are averages - some days there will be less, some more, and there's the weekend to catch up.

Each school will have their own homework policy which you can find out about.

2. What is involved with homework these days?

There are two main types of homework:
Firstly, homework that the teacher sets regularly in order to back up and reinforce what is learnt in lessons.
Secondly, assessed project work - coursework. This is usually only set during key stage 4 - years 10 and 11.

3. Your child is unique - finding the best homework routine

Each child learns in their own way, at their own pace. Some children need to work hard at their studies while others seem to breeze through school without appearing to do much work at all. The important thing is to be able to talk openly with your child about their homework. Encourage them to experiment with different routines - before or after eating or TV, divided into short sessions, or all at once, and so on.

4. Creating a good learning environment at home

Although many children are convinced that they study better with loud music on, or even in front of the TV, this is just not so. It's common sense really. The ideal place is somewhere quiet where they are least likely to be disturbed and they have access to all their study resources. Music, if any, should be gentle and relaxing, preferably with no lyrics. If you are listening to lyrics, how can you concentrate on learning? There are lots of CDs on sale which have relaxing music of various sorts. Encourage your child to experiment. Suggest that they have some work sessions with no music.

If the only place to study is in a room with a TV, switch it off during homework sessions. Make this a rule.

5. Your support is needed!

Don't let homework become a cause for repeated arguments. Show that you're on their side. Ask your child what you can do to make homework easier for them, while making it clear that it must be done. Be interested and try to make time to talk to your child about what has been learnt so far. Be positive about their efforts.

If you've created a good learning environment, and if your child feels that you are fully supportive, then you shouldn't have to be looked over their shoulder (or in their homework diary) every day. At Secondary school your child should independent enough to choose the best time of evening to do their work - everyone's different in this respect.

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