To think most school work should be done in school

[BeeInYourBonnet]

When I was in primary school we had a small bit of homework which was normally doable on our own, with a bit of input from parents. I didn't particularly benefit massively from the fact my parents are educated to post grad level, as they never really needed, or were expected, to significantly input into my learning.

I have adopted a similar approach with my DCs. Helping with homework, listening to reading, but generally not setting a structured plan of learning for them outside school, as I stupidly presumed this was what school was for.

However, it is now becoming very obvious that there is a big gulf between those children whose parents have provided tutoring or a high level of parental support and it seems there is an expectation from the school that considerable amount of work will happen outside school. However, although I have a degree and a fair level of intelligence, I don't feel I am equipped to develop and drive my DCs learning, for example in Maths, as I don't understand the specific ways things need to be done, what with not being a teacher!

AIBU to think, apart from a small amount of homework, parents shouldn't need to take such a significant role, and that this causes huge inequalities between those parents who are able (time-wise, educationally and financially) to provide a high level of extra support, and those who are not?

Children at private schools stay to do prep in the afternoons after school. This is better in a way because the school has to equip them to do the work, but it is great for learning discipline.

Puzzled - no i don't take my dd on holiday in term time because i think it's unfair on teachers to create extra work for them by having to help her catch up.

I do think kids learn loads and gain loads by being taken on holiday but there are plenty of weeks in the holidays to do that.

And there is time to do baking and picnics on Saturdays - as long as it's not being taken up with homework.

i despise homework so intensely i get a physical reaction just thinking about it

Just out of curiosity, would you mind sharing what your physical reaction is Professor. I've never heard of that before, unless it's something like a panic attack?