Homework tips for primary school

All schools have a homework policy developed in consultation with the school community. Homework reinforces work done in class and helps develop independence.

Homework is often a revision of what was covered in class. As well as regular weekly homework, your child may have assessments such as assignments or projects with due dates. A key to success is being organised.

Students in Years 3 to 6 work more independently. A lot of homework will be in English, mathematics, history and geography. However, it can be set from all areas of the curriculum.

Setting up for success

• Ask your child about their homework, know what they are learning about and when assignments are due.
• Use our term assessment planner (DOCX 53.57KB) to record when assignments are due, and exams are scheduled. This will help your child prepare in advance. Make ‘to-do’ lists to spread out the workload.
• Get into a routine of doing homework at a set time, ideally a little each day.
• Have a set place where children can do their homework, with the equipment they’ll need – pens and pencils, highlighters, scissors, glue, scrap paper, ruler, calculator, printing paper, a computer with internet access and a printer.
• If there’s no set homework, encourage your child to do some reading. For younger children, it’s great for them to read aloud to you. For older ones, ask them to tell you about what they have read. For more help with reading and comprehension, read our English tips page.
• Don’t jump in and give answers. Homework is about helping children become independent learners.
• Encourage your child to start assignments as soon as they receive them – this will reduce any night-before stress.
• Your child needs to do their own projects and assignments. There’s no point submitting work done by anyone other than the student. Teachers need to know what students can do independently – it’s the best way of planning lessons and providing additional support if required.
• Turn off TVs, mobiles and other devices so there are no disruptions.
• If your child is having difficulty with their homework, contact their class teacher for help.

• For help understanding terms used in English, visit English A to Z.
• For help understanding terms used in mathematics, visit Maths A to Z.