Kindergarten students are not expected to complete homework but may be given books to read at home.

In Years 1 and 2, simple homework may include:

• reading books provided by the teacher
• listening to and retelling stories
• writing sentences
• engaging in hands-on activities, such as drawing or sorting objects by category
• practicing handwriting by tracing letters or words
• completing mathematical activities
• playing educational games that reinforce class concepts
• participating in simple science observations or experiments.

Homework for Years 3–6 may be more varied, allowing for greater independence. Tasks may include:

• maintaining reading logs or reflections on self-selected books
• completing book reviews
• participating in STEM design challenges
• writing short stories
• solving mathematical problems
• composing texts
• practising mathematical concepts learnt at school
• conducting research projects.

In Years 7–8, homework may be set in each course of study. Schools can support students to develop time management skills, guide them to become more independent learners and ensure their workloads are manageable. This is particularly important for those Year 7 students who are transitioning to high school.

Homework may include:

• regular revision tasks
• reading of set texts
• assignments that require investigation.

In Years 9 –10, homework may be set on a regular basis across the curriculum. Schools continue to support students to develop their time management skills and encourage independent work.

Homework may include:

• regular practice tasks that support classroom learning
• reading set texts
• assignments that require investigation
• preparing for examinations.

In Years 11–12, homework will be expected to be completed independently. Homework may be set in all courses and students may be required to prepare for future classroom activities or complete assessment tasks.

Time spent on homework will vary according to learning needs and individual programs of learning.

Homework may include:

• regular revision tasks, including creating topic summaries and study notes
• reading set texts and/or supplementary materials
• completing assessment tasks
• preparing for examinations.

Step 1 – form a homework guidelines committee

• Establish a committee with representatives from school leadership, teachers, students, parents and carers.
• Ensure members from across the school community are represented.
• Create a meeting schedule.
• Set a completion date.

Step 2 – develop a consultation survey

• The committee creates and trials a survey tool.
• Set a completion date.

Step 3 – conduct consultation

• The committee informs the school community about the consultation process.
• Teachers, students, parents, and carers are surveyed, and the data is interpreted to determine key findings and implications.
• Set a completion date.

Step 4 – hold community meetings

• School leadership and the committee meet with staff, P&C, AECG, parent and carer forum and student representative council (SRC) to discuss the survey results.
• Set a completion date.

Step 5 – make a decision

• The committee and school leadership decide on homework implementation based on community input and school needs.
• Set a completion date.

Step 6 – communicate the decision

• School leadership informs teachers, students and the wider school community of the decision.
• Set a completion date.

Step 7a – develop the homework guidelines when not providing homework

• The committee develops homework guidelines when not providing homework.
• They may follow the suggested structure by including a rationale, the consultation process, a homework guidelines statement and a monitoring, evaluation and review section
• Set a completion date.

OR

Step 7b – develop the homework guidelines when providing homework

• The committee develops homework guidelines when providing homework.
• They may follow the suggested structure by including the rationale, consultation process, homework guidelines statement, plan for implementation and a monitoring, evaluation and review section.
• Set a completion date.

Step 8 – distribute the draft homework guidelines for feedback

• The committee distributes the draft to the school community for consultation and feedback.
• Set a deadline for feedback submission.
• Set a completion date.

Step 9 – refine the final version of the homework guidelines

• The committee develops the final version of the guidelines, which the school principal endorses.
• Set a completion date.

Step 10 – communicate the guidelines

• The committee and school leadership communicate the guidelines to the school community, including the school executive, teachers, students, parents and carers, for familiarisation before implementation.
• The familiarisation phase and implementation date are clearly communicated.
• Set a completion date.

Step 11 – update school information

• The committee arrange for the guidelines to be included in the school website, enrolment information, relevant presentations and other documentation.
• Set a completion date.

Purpose: This suggested structure is designed to assist school leaders in planning and developing homework guidelines. It can be adapted to suit the needs of individual school contexts.

Rationale

Outline the purpose and importance of the guidelines, emphasising how they support student learning, align with the school values and address community needs.

Consultation

Describe the consultation process undertaken to engage the school community. Include meetings, surveys and committee reviews that informed the decision-making process.

Homework guidelines statement

Provide a concise summary (one to two sentences) of the school’s approach to homework, reflecting its intended role in supporting student learning or outlining the rationale for not issuing homework.

Implementation

Collaborative planning should focus on:

• Nature, frequency and volume. Ensure tasks are manageable and support learning across all years and subjects.
• Expectations. Clearly outline the expectations for setting appropriate homework tasks, communicating these expectations to parents and carers and monitoring completion.
• Roles and responsibilities. Define the specific roles of school leaders, teachers, students, parents and carers in the homework process to foster shared accountability and understanding.

Monitoring, evaluation and review

Establish a clear timeline and process for monitoring, evaluating and reviewing the homework guidelines. Specify how feedback will be collected and adjustments made to ensure the continued effectiveness and relevance.