About St Mark's - Policies - Homework Policy

1. We regard homework as an essential component in Children's educational development. It is a prerequisite for good study habits in the future.All children will have homework.
2. Generally homework is not given at weekends but occasionally work may be required to be completed or corrected.
3. A St. Mark's S.N.S. Homework Journal is part of the school book allocation for every child.
4. Homework given, both oral and written, should be written into the the Homework Journal.
5. We expect our pupils to do their best on their homework. We expect homework to be neat and accurate.
6. Each pupil must have his/her homework journal signed each night. Parents are expected to monitor and check homework before signing and to explain by a note when homework is not completed.
7. Homework generally consists of work chosen from a combination of three elements.

1. Reading:
In English / Irish , either from the Class Reader, a library book or some other source.

2. Written Assignments:
Maths, English, Irish, Project or work from one of the other subjects which requires the children to complete a written exercise.

3. Memorisation:
The learning by heart of spellings, tables, Irish sentences, vocabulary, facts, poetry, prayers, songs, music etc.

Guidelines On Homework:

1. Particular attention should be paid to work with a learning content, as this is easily and most frequently neglected (e.g. tables, spellings. learning facts.) .
2. Parents are strongly encouraged to take an active interest in their child's homework. If homework causes worry for the pupil, parents are asked to contact the teacher.
3. Try to provide a quiet place free from the distractions of music, television and stereo.
4. Set a daily homework time.
5. Provide praise and support do not let children avoid homework.
6. Parents are encouraged to show an interest in their children's homework but do not do the work for them.
7. Reading:
   
   • Encourage reading by your children even if it means turning off the television.
   • Frequent reading aloud is beneficial especially for younger children.
   • The quality of silent reading can be checked by asking the child a few simple questions.
8. Maths:
   
   • When difficulty is encountered by your child with his/her maths homework, please refer to the relevant example in the Maths Text Book or Maths Copy.
   • Encourage your child to have a positive attitude towards maths.
   • It is important to be familiar with the correct terminology and methods being used by the children in maths class.
9. The following are guidelines for time spent at homework. Different children will complete the same homework in different lengths of time. It is important to remember that it is quality and not quantity of homework that matters. The following are general guidelines only:
   
   • Third Class thirty to forty minutes.
   • Fourth Class thirty to forty minutes.
   • Fifth Class forty five minutes to one hour.
   • Sixth Class forty five minutes to one hour.