New Initiatives - Homework - Spring 2004
As part of our on-going commitment to continuous improvement we canvassed to parental opinion of some of the new practices we have introduced this year.
Below is a summary of the responses from parents.
Questionnaires were sent out to a 15% sample and the response rate was very good with 80 children represented in the responses, this being almost a 100% response. We feel as a result we can extrapolate the results to be representative of the school population.
The results have been carefully itemised and analysed. If a very minority view was expressed i.e. by only one respondent this has not been included in the summary.
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The introduction and use of the homework diary: The vast majority ( 90%) of responses to the introduction of the Homework Diary were very positive. A common theme was of the value of being able to keep track of the homework and the home/school link. The majority of other comments were in relation to the fact that it is rarely seen as children do not bring it home. Actions/Response: The homework guidance leaflet will be distributed to parents every September with new Homework Diaries. Exemplar comments to be developed as with Reading Cards
The type of homework: 92% of respondents felt that the type of homework was appropriate, balanced, varied and at the correct level of challenge. Many comments were made about the value of the home school link and about helping children to become independent and organised. Of the remaining 8% the comments were in relation to the need for a greater variety of tasks and also that homework was not explained properly in class. Actions/Response: Except under exceptional circumstances teachers will never give homework without it being fully explained. Time is always set aside for explaining homework, however, this is a two way process and requires listening carefully on the part of pupils. Staff asked to consider the variety of tasks set ? appropriate to age and purpose of homework.
The amount of homework: 75% of respondents thought the amount of homework to be about right for the age of their children. Of the remainder 8% thought there was too much and 8% thought there was too little. 11% were happy with the amount but would like it either: ∙ Only at the weekend ∙ Only during the week ∙ Spread over the week and the weekend These results reflect the views expressed in a previous questionnaire which covered homework. It is clear that there is a diversity of opinion about the amount and when it should be done. Actions/Response: Year Teams to decide Homework Schedule, as at present, which they feel suits the majority of the children in the year group and the working patterns of sets etc.
Your child?s attitude to homework: 83% of respondents said that their children were positive or at least accepting about homework. 50% of that number said their children were very positive. Of the remaining respondents the themes seemed to be that resistance or negativity was experienced when children left homework until the last minute before it was due in or attempted too late in the evening when tiredness had set in. Actions/Response: Teachers to reiterate regularly the need for pupils to space the homework across the time available. Consideration is being given to the introduction of a Homework Club in the Autumn Term. Teachers to consider incentives/rewards for handing in Homework on time.
Your own use of the Homework Diary to check and monitor your child?s homework: 60% of respondents to this question said they used the diary to check on what homework has been given and completed. 40% said they liked to see the feedback from staff and check on test results. However only 26% said they signed the diary or commented. Other minority comments were: ∙ Isn?t always filled in by school/at school ∙ Do look at it but don?t always sign ∙ Don?t really check Actions/Response: As regular routines exist for completion of homework the only reason for them not being completed is if children do not have them at school. Teachers to check regularly that diaries are in school and, therefore, able to be completed. Parents to be informed if diaries not regularly brought. Possible dual language leaflet. More people said they liked the diaries than signed it regularly. It is very disheartening for teachers if they are checking the diaries and monitoring regularly and parents are not and visa versa. We hope the re-sending of the Homework Leaflet at the beginning of the year will improve the situation but we will keep this under review as the year progresses.
The usefulness of the Homework Leaflet and the Homework Schedule sent at the beginning of the year: These were generally found to be helpful by the vast majority of respondents.
Any other comments on homework: Comments given in answer to this question were very varied and obviously specific to individual children. No particular themes emerged that have not already been covered.
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