We believe that the best homework is that which helps children

become confident learners, happier human beings, and well-rounded individuals.

Homework has divided support. Some families want more structured written tasks because they feel that this will prepare their children for high school and some families want none because they are fed up with the tensions that homework can cause. What we know as teachers is that homework needs to be structured differently to meet the needs of children today.

At Ascot Park Primary School, we do not set homework for homework’s sake. We acknowledge that children need time after school for extra-curricular activities, for relaxation and for family time.

Key points:

• All students benefit from reading at home on their own and/or with family members on a daily basis. Parents are asked to support this as research shows a strong positive relationship between parental involvement and higher levels of school achievement, particularly in reading.
• Homework is sometimes necessary for students who have not completed set work during school hours.
• Occasionally teachers may choose to set an overnight task that is directly related to an aspect of the day’s learning. We understand that many of our students have after school commitments so if your child is unable to complete an overnight task, parents are asked to inform the teacher.
• Physical activity is very important for children. We encourage children to participate in physical activity regularly each week – structured or recreational.
• We encourage students to undertake responsible tasks that assist the family or the community, such as household chores.
• Students who enjoy having homework could negotiate a task with parents and/or the class teacher eg they could research a topic that interests them.
• There is an abundance of affordable books and many Internet sites and apps with educational games and challenges for your child to use if needed.

In summary, the expectations are: 

• 20 minutes daily reading for all students.
• Finishing off work that should have been completed at school.
• Possibly a weekly task, at the discretion of the teacher eg learning spelling or sight words, times-tables.

In addition we encourage:

• Daily physical exercise for all students to create healthy life habits.
• Home chores and/or community responsibilities, to be determined by each family.
• Spending quality time with family eg outings, playing board or card games.

More information can be found in our home learning brochure.

Useful websites and apps to use at home

At school we access the following web-based sites at times to support our students’ learning. Please log on if you wish to use these at home with your child(ren).

Please read the eSafety Commissioner website for advice to parents to help children be safe online.

Literacy

Premier’s Reading Challenge – Rec to year 7

All students are expected to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge every year. An extensive list of ’good fit’ books can be found on the website.

Reading Eggs – Rec to year 2

Students should know their logon and password.

 Literacy Pro – years 3 to 7

This site allows students to answer questions about books they have read. Students should know their logon and password.

                       Story Box Library

Favourite stories read by some of Australia’s best storytellers!

username: ascotpark password: read123

Typing Club

Learn touch typing

    Numeracy

 Prodigy
This is a game-based maths program where students have to answer a range of maths questions to progress through a quest type game challenge. Students can complete a placement test at the beginning of the game to assess their level.

General

 StudyLadder
This is an enormous site where teachers can set activities across many curriculum areas. Only part of the site is accessible for free. As students complete lessons they earn points. The site is not as user-friendly as it used to be and some of the free home access seems a bit limited. But you                                     can always give it a try!

 Quizlet 

 Quizlet makes simple learning tools that let you study anything. Start learning today with flashcards, games and learning tools — all for free!

Auslan

Auslan Signbank is a language resources site for Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Auslan is the language of the deaf community in Australia