schools “At King’s, we know the boys and girls have high expectations of themselves and their school. We strive to meet these not only by teaching them well, but by providing extension and consolidation work in the form of homework. In a senior school, homework is an essential way of ensuring pupils have understood their subjects and developed independent thinking skills. However, the deal is two-way: boys and girls work hard on their homework, but we, as their teachers, need to mark thoroughly, supportively and swiftly. Where teachers neglect the importance of marking homework in order to guide, enthuse and inspire, it is a wasted task.” Andrew Halls, Head Master, King’s College School “The real issue with homework is not its’ length but its’ quality.
Homework must consolidate or extend the work in school; it should be challenging and must be useful. For me, The Study’s ‘Ten a Day’ Maths sums epitomise the best sort of homework, enabling pupils to sharpen their mental maths skills.” Susan Pepper, Headmistress, The Study Preparatory School “The issue of homework invites conflicting opinions – there is no conclusive evidence for the benefits of homework for primary children, but many parents perceive homework as a factor in a child’s - and school’s academic success - and suggesting that it might be done away with may be seen as a radical notion! However, anecdotal comment from parents suggests that the homework burden adds to the pressure some children experience in the
school system.”Philippa Jackson, Headteacher, Hollymount School racetonowhere.com theparentpractice.com FOR YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR NEW SCHOOLS PAGE EMAIL THE EDITOR: info@darlingmagazine.co.uk
Panelists after “Race To Nowhere” film: L-R: Bonnie Harris M.S. Ed, the author of the series of books about ‘What To Do When Kids Push Your Buttons’, Sue Kumleben, Facilitator with the Parent Practice, Heather Hanbury, Headteacher at Wimbledon High School & Charles Bonas, Educational Consultant & Commentator