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Homework guide - the purposes of homework

Developing a homework policy

All schools should move towards developing a clear and manageable homework policy in consultation with staff, pupils, parents, the school board and other relevant agencies.

The consultation process should determine a homework policy which gives guidance on:

  • purpose, type, frequency, duration and nature of homework
  • study skills and supported study
  • marking arrangements and feedback
  • roles and responsibilities of school, teacher, pupil and parent
  • communication of the policy
  • implementation, monitoring and review
  • non-completion and non-return of homework

The following examples may prove helpful in policy development.

The purposes of homework
  • to provide the pupil with practice in aspects of class work;
  • to enable pupils to become independent learners;
  • to encourage pupils to manage their time;
  • to foster a partnership between home and school;
  • by providing parents with an opportunity to share in their child's learning;
  • to enable parents to be involved and informed about the type of work being undertaken in class.

Types of homework

  • reinforcement of class work;
  • research topics and investigations;
  • preparation for class work;
  • reviewing, redrafting or summarising a piece of work;
  • activities related to personal and social development;
  • preparation for a presentation

The frequency and duration of homework
  • agreed arrangements which outline the proposed homework plans for the year, term or week and include a suggested amount of time to be spent on homework tasks.

The nature of homework
  • homework arrangements should include tasks that are varied, challenging and differentiated to meet the needs of all pupils

Study skills and supported study
  • arrangements should be indicated in the policy

Marking and feedback
  • arrangements should be indicated in the policy

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