There are great changes to the Homework Policy…

Well done, you! Last year children, parents, SNAs and teachers all had a big think about how to make homework better—so that children learn better from it and so that it’s less stressful and more enjoyable. 

And now—since Monday—Talbot has agreed with your ideas and has made some big changes. We hope you like them!

1. There are now TIME LIMITS on how long your homework will take! Yay!
   This means if you’re in 3^rd or 4^th we want you to stop after 30-40 minutes of good effort. And if you’re in 5^th or 6^th stop after 40-50 minutes of good effort.
2. There are new AIMS for homework. Here are some of them:
   • That each child overall enjoys their homework.
   • That children and parents have a voice in setting some homework: yes, you and your parents will be able to choose some of your homework: ask your teacher!
   • That teachers can give homework not just for tomorrow but for the end of the week – or whenever!
   • That no child gets upset or worried about homework—and if a child is, that everyone rethinks what’s happening to get rid of the worry or upset.
   • That we begin having time limits for homework: you will never have to feel you have to spend a lot of time on it. You don’t! We want your family to be free to spend your family time each evening the way you all want—not all of it on homework!
   • That homework be different for different children to suit their strengths and needs—this means that if you’re not yet good at something that you get easier work, and if you are already great at something that you can ask for and get something a bit more fun and challenging.
3. Now, if someone comes in without their homework being done, teachers will NOT immediately give out a Yellow Card, but will get in touch with your parents, perhaps through a note, to ask them what the problem is. Teachers and parents will work together to come up with ideas to help the child. Only if the child continues not to have homework done will there be Yellow Cards.

In May next year, you will be asked how stressful (how upset or how worried) you find homework and how enjoyable you find it. We hope to see less stress and more enjoyment.

Tell your parents/guardians to have a good look at the new homework policy if they want.  It’s on this website. Tell them to just click on ‘Policies’ above.

Enjoy the new style homework!