Homework

Homework is a very important part of a pupil's education. It reinforces what the child has learned during the day, it fosters home - school links and it also develops the child's work ethic and ability to work independently. While parents are not expected to teach pupils, they are in a much better position than the teacher to provide individual help. Homework is given on a daily basis, from Monday to Thursday.

Many aspects of the Primary School Curriculum provide opportunities for children to ask their parents, grandparents or an older person questions about home and school life, traditions in the past and continuity and change. Where students have obair bhaile Gaeilge Rang I go Rang VI parents are encouraged to follow this in the same manner with their child as with any other subject regardless of their own confidence in Irish themselves.

Children do not receive homework on Fridays, unless asked to revise for a test or to read their library book. Sometimes at the discretion of the class teacher or Principal, children are given "homework off" as a treat or as acknowledgement of some special occasion. Homework will normally contain a balance between reading tasks, learning tasks and written tasks.

It should be noted that homework time devoted to reading, learning and spellings is as important as written work and should be given equal attention. The amount of homework varies from one class to another. The amount of time it will take a pupil to complete an assignment will also vary considerably. Time spent on homework will also vary from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. Parents should check that the child has completed all the homework as written in the Diary or the Homework Sheet. When satisfied the journal should be signed each night.

Guidelines for Parents/Guardians: Homework forms a positive link between home and school. Parents or guardians can give valuable support to the work of the school and help the child greatly, by showing a positive interest in and encouragement of homework.

Parents or guardians should ensure that children complete their homework.

1. Have a set time each day for homework. 
2. Provide a specific quiet place conducive to work and free from distractions i.e. television, music, other children playing, food. 
3. Supervise the homework by helping your child to understand the assignment if necessary but never actually doing the work your child. 
4. Listen to formal reading, spellings, tables, poetry, prayers etc. 
5. Check that homework has been completed and then sign the pupil's homework journal. To develop independence, a sense of responsibility and as a preparation for second level education, pupils in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class will not always write down homework from the board but should remember the assigned work. 

Parents or guardians are asked to see that this work has been completed satisfactorily. Only written excuses from parent/guardian will be accepted from children who have not completed their homework. The class teacher will inform the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child via a note in the homework journal if any aspect of the child's homework has not been completed. Contact should be made to meet the class teacher if it frequently takes the child considerably longer than is recommended to complete the homework or if the child has persistent difficulties with any aspect of homework through the child's homework journal. For more information about recommended times to spend at homework please follow the link here.

 Thank for your continuing co-operation.