Essington Homework Rationale

At The Essington School, we believe in fostering a balanced approach to learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our homework rationale is based on research showing limited academic benefits of homework for middle school students (Cooper et al., 2006), potential negative impacts on student well-being (Galloway et al., 2013), and the importance of quality over quantity in assignments (Kohn, 2006). Because of this, we do not mandate daily homework. Instead, we encourage students to take initiative in their learning. Additional work is always available on our online platforms, Education Perfect and JacPlus, for students who wish to extend their learning. These platforms cater to different learning paces and interests. We strongly encourage attendance at academic support sessions for personalised assistance when required. Our rationale allows time for extracurricular activities, family time, and relaxation, which are proven to be more pertinent to academic success than daily homework. This balance is crucial for overall student well-being and development, and it allows students to plan their time and ensures work is meaningful, not rushed.

Below are some of the reasons that teachers may assign homework:

• To revise for upcoming assessments
• To complete assessments
• To catch up on missed work
• To compliment learning that occurs in the classroom
• Extend student knowledge in a topic

If a teacher assigns homework, Essington guidelines stipulate that:

• It must be specific and related to the topic/s being covered
• It must be timely and not over-burden a student
• It must have a one-week turnaround

It justifies a targeted approach and helps students prepare for important academic milestones
We believe this approach prepares students for the demands of higher education and the workforce, where self-direction and effective time management are crucial skills.

If you have any questions or concerns about this rationale, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Joan Judd
Head of Senior School