Introduction

Why do teachers give homework?
Teachers give homework for a number of different reasons. Homework can help children:

review and practice what they have learnt
prepare for the next class
learn to use other resources such as libraries, encyclopaedias and the Internet amongst others
investigate subjects more fully than time allows in class

Homework can also help children develop good habits and attitudes, in particular applying a sense of self-discipline. In addition, children can also learn how to work on their own, manage time and meet deadlines and homework can encourage a love of learning.

Homework is meant to be a positive experience and should not be viewed as a punishment.

Homework also helps bring teachers and parents closer together. Parents who assist their children with homework have a better understanding of their child’s education.

Does Homework Help?
Homework helps children do better in school, but only when assignments are meaningful, completed successfully and returned from the teacher with constructive comments. The ideal homework assignment will have a specific aim, come with clear instructions, be well matched to a student’s abilities and should develop a student’s knowledge and skills.

Homework should gradually increase in terms of time over a student’s education.

Below are the government guidelines for how much time should be spent on homework. Whilst it has been seen that too much homework for a younger pupil can have a negative effect, it has to be said that students who complete more homework generally perform better in tests and grades.

Government Guidelines for Homework
(All guidelines are time spent on homework per day.)

Primary Schools:
Ages 5 to 7 – 10 minutes reading, spelling, other numeracy and literacy work.

Ages 7 to 9 – 20 minutes as above with occasionally other subjects.

Ages 9 to 11 – 30 minutes, regular weekly schedule, focusing on literacy and numeracy. In addition there will be homework covering a wide range of other curriculum subjects.

Secondary Schools:
Ages 11 to 13 – 45 to 90 minutes covering all subjects over the course of the school timetable.

Ages 13 to 14 – 1 to 2 hours as above.

Ages 14 to 16 – 1 ½ hours to 2 ½ hours as above.