Level of homework/pace of study in senior state and private

[LostInTheShuffle]

We are from a no homework primary and I worry about how DD will initially cope at independent secondary that expects high standards of homework.

My DD went from an essentially no homework primary to a secondary where the expected daily homework load ranges from one to two hours (the latter for the weekend). Often, it takes DD longer than the timetable guidelines to complete her homework, although to be fair it is in part because she is not very efficient with her time and typically wants to get things done just right.

DC do adjust (DD doesn't mind getting homework), although I am worried that the present load is somewhat excessive.

[PurpleDuck]

I work in the Indie sector and our y5/6 get 30mins of prep a night with the expectation that it must be in the next day, but some teachers will give them a couple of days to do it. Y7/8 get 2 x 30 mins in 2 different subjects per night, again due the next day.

My own two monsters do get homework, hardly ever see DS doing his as he does it at school when he arrives early in the morning with the occasional evening. DD tends to do hers all over the living room before I get home and then leaves it there! Neither of them have to have it in the next day and so have time to do their activities and enjoy themselves and they just have to balance when they are going to do it, both at state GSs.

I think your DCs homework setup is very sensible, MedievalBabe.

My DS in state primary gets 2 pieces of homework a week, due a few days later. His brother in indie secondary used to get homework every single day up to year 9, but very rarely it was due next day, the teachers usually gave them at least two nights to complete the work, mostly to enable the children to manage their time around all co-curricular activities.

I think it is a little bit much to expect all homework to be done for the next day. Even if it's just an hour, I know children in our primary who would struggle with squeezing in an hour every single night. Some are picked up by childminders (and not all childminders want to get involved in supervising homework, especially when they look after 5 or 6 children of various ages) and don't get home until 7pm. Others are involved in various after-school activities, including cubs, swimming clubs etc. and by the time they get home it's either too late or they are too tired to do a decent job of their homework; then there is music practice to do for those who take music lessons. I think there is no need for so much homework when they are still a primary school age, it would be better for them to get outside and play more.

[silverysea]

My two,were,in different primaries, one had no homework the other had a significant and very regular amount. It was easier for the homework-trained one to cope (or cooperate) with secondary. Both have a significant amount, one is at selective school, luckily the trained one! The selective school work is harder but not more lengthy, seems to be less "busywork", no nonsense but doable in an hour or so. She does get in early and gets through a lot in the day.

[Yamin151]

Mine were at the same primary, negligable homework. Now at different 2ndaries, they cope with homework differently but both have been fine with it even though they did nothing much at primary. I don't think they need training until Y7. I think some children just find it easier than others..

Personally think homework is of very little benefit anyway. School days are long enough as it is without adding 1.5 hours to a 12 year olds day - why not keep them at school longer if they are that bothered and let them be totally free when they get out? Maybe all secondary school could be training to revise, just a bit at a time, from Y7 onwards.......revision methods, fun ways to remember, getting more serious and longer as the years go on........

[Tolstoy]

I constantly change on this. I hated itband never did it until my O'level year.

Was always an advocate of no h/w what-so-ever bar reading books in primary. Then changed because my own DC struggled so much getting to grips with it when hitting secondary. Now realising that DS who wouldn't do it is just one of those DC who will always be awkward. The other, just like me, has knuckled down this year because he needs to, GCSE year. 3rd squishes it in on a needs must basis but I suspect has big plans so will also knuckle down when it counts and youngest is just one of lifes pleasers so always tries hard.

Agree Yamin as it's the exams that count why not train them to revise.

[Middlesexmum]

I do support homework in primary school so that work habits are established and to reinforce the learning of the day*


But does it really have positive bearing on long term results? I think I remember reading some research showing primary school homework has no effect on attainment later on. Look at other countries especially Scandinavia. They start formal learning very late, have minimal homework yet their results are better than ours.

[Guest55]

Agree Yamin as it's the exams that count why not train them to revise.

Many schools do have study skills sessions in Year 7 and several I know have visits from 'Study skills' specialist companies to enhance the support at GCSE.

There are many ways to revise and each student needs to work out what suits them.

[Amber]

I do support homework in primary school so that work habits are established and to reinforce the learning of the day*


But does it really have positive bearing on long term results? I think I remember reading some research showing primary school homework has no effect on attainment later on. Look at other countries especially Scandinavia. They start formal learning very late, have minimal homework yet their results are better than ours.

Indeed. There is no robust research at all which demonstrates any kind of positive effect of homework on children's grades. Though the OECD would like you to think otherwise.

Of course, homework means different things in different countries and a can of worms can be opened if you start trying to compare. But generally you are right. Children resent it, they do not view it as the same as school and there is no evidence that it reinforces any kind of 'learning of the day'.

Private study at late secondary is another matter entirely. Totally different. Necessary, and without it students won't succeed. But primary homework has no impact on it at all and the business of establishing habits hasn't either - it is more likely to turn children off.