Homework

[Flaxseed33]

I just read that the education departments, Mr Gove, is to scrap the guidelines, laid down by government, for how much homework should be set. My son's free school sets two pieces a week, on two subjects per term, which are drawn together in the sixth or seventh week. They have school diaries and are encouraged every week to reflect upon their learning and make a note of what they are proud of and learning that went really well and what they feel did not go well and how they might improve. There is a homework club after school so that a teacher is on hand if they need it. My son actually asks to go to homework club because he hates getting a "late" or into trouble for not doing it, but no longer does homework interfere with home life. When he gets home - he is home end of. All schools should approach learning this way at senior school I feel because the stress is far less than we had in years 5 & 6. He is dyslexic but even his English grades are above the level for his age, as are all his other subjects except for R.E.
Given that they were not like this at primary, this school's approach to teaching and learning is second to none. The school is the new Wye School, Ashford, Kent - secondary school. Just brilliant! Although I do not agree with homework, I remember having tonnes and no social life, I think Wye school has got the balance right.

[DadDadDad]

Just wandered by and saw that no-one had replied to this thread. I think this area of MN is aimed at asking for help with a particular piece of homework. Maybe you should re-post this in Secondary Education (or even on Chat where far more people will see it)? Also, personally, I would give the thread a more engaging title eg "Do schools set too much homework?" Sorry - not trying to criticise, just recognising that this is a bit of an unloved corner of MN.

Anyway, to comment on the issue quickly:

My DS at secondary school gets loads of homework. The school is academically selective and the pace is fast, so he is expected to spend a couple of hours most evenings on homework. It does add to the pressure, but he seems to thrive on it. I can appreciate that it could be problematic where a child was struggling or there was limited help at home.

Well-crafted homework should support learning, but the reality can be very variable.