Shocked... Michael Gove does something I agree with!

[pointythings]

link here

I disagree with homework in primary. I think homework in secondary should be well thought out and targeted - I certainly never did anything close to the existing guidelines even when working towards the equivalent of A-levels and I got good results and a good degree.

I also think in-school supported homework clubs are likely to be far more effective for children who are not going to get the support at home (and the ones who do get the support at home are likely to do well regardless of whether they hav a ton of homework or not).

So almost 2 years in and something the idiot Gove does makes sense...

Still not going to forgive him for the English Baccalaureate and Academies/Free Schools, though.

Wonder if Sarah Vine has complained that the homework is eating into their family time...

Like the OP, I disagree with homework in primary school - I never had any, but accepted it as part of the package of senior school. And I got into trouble with the school, for not doing it - the school certainly did not think it was my parents responsibilty (themselves both teachers) to ensure I did it and sit with me whilst I did it. Whereas ff 30 years and my kids schools certainly banged on about how homework was a "joint responsibility"..... (er no, it's the kids responsibility to do it and the schools to mark and deal with it).

I think the idea of homework clubs is great!

Funny how so many parents think that hours in school re[presents hours their children are taught and especially in independent schools.

Independent schools on the whole run longer hours not to actually teach but to offer that so desired "wrap around care" to save parents on child minders fees etc.

I have worked in several schools, most taking in mixed ability pupils although they had good academic reputations ( getting good exam results and Oxbridge places is often down to being canny with scholarships for gifted pupils and having small classes and no dicipline issues frankly) .

Schools typically have a day which no matter what time it seems to start rarely starts lessons until 9.20 am. Before that is registration and assembly.

Lessons are often 35 or 40 minutes long. There will usually be a morning break longer than that in state schools ( 20 mins) . Lunch is often 12.00 - 1.30 or similar to allow activities and school will finish at 4.00 ( or 4. 30 ) .

Prep is also a misnomer because pften pupils can select prep or clubs. Most of those selecting prep do very little (I supervised a session tonight). We all know this but are rarely honest about it.

State schools have so many discipline issues and so much lost time that they need every second they have to teach.

I personally never set prep or homework for my students ( and increasing trend in my experience) but I do have a standard prep/homework for when inspectors or parents call which covers the day. Pupils cotton on this and being more maleable than the average state kid will go with it because they understand how things work.

I run one of the most successful depts in my school and I have one of the biggest A level intakes and all levels of ability and top examination results. I consider it a failure on my part if I have to start setting homework for anything. There are enough teaching hours in a week. Anyone who says different is either deluding themselves, not working smartly or effectively or is kidding you on!

Thats my opinion.

sorry about typo's computer skipping letters and jumping