Homework Guidelines
These homework guidelines apply to all members of the Scoil Mhuire school community, including students, parents, and teachers. We encourage the active involvement and cooperation of everyone in supporting a consistent and positive approach to homework, recognising its important role in students’ learning and overall development.
Purpose of Homework
Homework is work assigned by teachers to be completed by students outside of normal class time. It may include written exercises, reading, oral or listening activities, project work, revision, or research tasks. Homework is designed to support and extend classroom learning while encouraging students to develop responsibility, organisation, and independent study skills. Teachers aim to provide homework that is meaningful, manageable, and beneficial to student progress, together with guidance and feedback where appropriate.
Importance of Homework
At Scoil Mhuire, homework is viewed as an important part of the learning process and student development. It helps students reinforce and consolidate work completed in class, while also promoting creativity, self-discipline, and effective study habits. Homework also strengthens communication between home and school by giving parents and guardians an insight into their child’s education and progress. Although support from teachers and parents is valuable, the responsibility for completing homework rests with each student.
Study and Homework
Homework is any work given to you by a teacher to do at home. It will involve learning and/or writing. Homework is not optional and will be corrected or examined by the teacher.
Study is work you do yourself at home. It might be revision (looking back) or preparation (looking forward). It may not be examined or corrected by a teacher the following day. Study is more demanding because it is optional and requires self discipline. The benefits may not be obvious until you do your exams. Study is a habit which must be learned and practised. Like everything else, the more your practise is the easier it becomes – believe it or not!
Students are expected to:
- Record all homework carefully and accurately.
- Make a genuine effort to complete homework to the best of their ability and submit it on time.
- Ensure they have the necessary materials and suitable conditions for completing homework.
- Complete homework assigned during any absence due to school activities such as sporting events, debates, or trips.
- Seek support when difficulties arise with homework or study.
Students can expect that:
- Homework assigned will be reasonable and appropriate to the subject area.
- Adequate time will be allowed for larger assignments such as projects, essays, or practical work.
- Homework will be connected to classroom learning and clearly explained.
- Constructive feedback will be provided on completed work where appropriate.
- Sufficient time will be given to record homework assignments correctly.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to:
- Support and encourage students in completing assigned homework.
- Check the student journal regularly.
- Provide a written explanation when homework is incomplete or cannot be completed due to exceptional circumstances.
- Maintain communication with the school regarding any ongoing homework concerns.
Parents/Guardians can expect:
- To be encouraged to monitor and sign the student journal when necessary.
- To be informed if concerns arise regarding homework completion or effort.
- To have opportunities to discuss homework-related issues with teachers where required.
Planning and Preparation
Successful students organise and plan their time in order to get a balance of time for study and relaxation. They work to some form of timetable and have a set time to start homework every day.
Students never have ‘no homework’. Homework consists not just of written work but also:
- Reading
- Learning
- Revision
- Research
- Examination Preparation
Students following the Transition Year option are expected to adhere to deadlines for the completion of projects and work assigned by teachers.
Recommended Homework Time
The following guidelines are intended as a general indication of the average amount of time students may spend on homework each evening. These may vary depending on individual subjects, study needs, and examination periods.
- 1st Year: Approximately 1½ hours
- 2nd Year: Approximately 2 to 2½ hours
- 3rd Year: Approximately 2½ to 3 hours
- 4th Year: Approximately 2½ hours
- 5th Year: Approximately 2½ to 3 hours
- 6th Year: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Place of Study
It is recommended that students study in a suitable place with:
- table or some level work surface
- heat
- good solid chair
- quiet environment
Homework Concerns and Procedures
Students are expected to complete homework consistently and to the best of their ability. Where homework is not attempted or there is a lack of effort, teachers may record the matter in the student journal and school records.
If difficulties with homework continue, the appropriate procedures outlined in the school’s Code of Behaviour may be applied. Parents/guardians may also be contacted where there is an ongoing concern regarding homework completion or engagement.
Homework practices and procedures are reviewed regularly by staff to help ensure that homework remains purposeful, manageable, and supportive of student learning.
