Speaking to students over the last couple of weeks, a common refrain regarding what was enjoyable about the summer holidays was being able to sleep in, catching up with friends and going to the beach if the weather was good. Being out of a routine, as such, provides part of the restorative aspect of a holiday break.
Returning to school, getting up early and managing learning inside and outside of the classroom will be tiring for many for the first few weeks. During this time students will be getting back into the routine of the school day, as well as setting up routines for learning at home. Having a homework schedule, a timetable for when homework and revision is done across a week, is important for ongoing progress and growth. Crucially, helping your child establish a learning routine is one of the most effective ways parents can promote and support learning.
Key Benefits of a Routine
Improved wellbeing: Regular routines lower anxiety and reduce stress by breaking down large, overwhelming tasks into manageable units of time.
Increased Productivity: Sticking to a schedule helps students use their time more effectively and meet deadlines during busy assessment periods.
Habit Formation: Consistent application of a schedule fosters personal organisation and independence, eventually turning study into a daily habit.
Whether homework is completed first thing when arriving home, or after basketball training or music practice is up to the individual. However, what is important is that there is a routine, a regular time after school for homework to be done.
To foster the development of a routine it is helpful to develop a homework and study schedule.
Three tips for creating an effective schedule include:
Prioritise Challenges: Start with the most difficult subjects first. This builds a sense of accomplishment and prevents struggling with tough tasks late at night.
Ensure Balance: A good schedule is not just about completing homework and undertaking revision; it should include extracurricular activities and downtime to maintain a healthy balance.
Make it Visible: Posting a schedule in a common area, such as on the fridge, keeps the student focused and informs the rest of the household of their commitments.
After a few weeks of application, perhaps with a few bumps along the way, the schedule for completing homework will become part of the daily routine, and from sustaining that routine, the level of personal organisation and independence in learning becomes a habit.
Further support:
Students have access to the OLMC Study Habits website through SIMON. On the website is a section on Goal Setting and Time Management. It includes a number of templates to assist in developing a weekly schedule or a term planner.
The College also runs Homework Club after school a couple of afternoons a week to provide assistance for students, particularly those in Years 7-9, in completing their homework. Dates and times when this is run can be found on PAM and SIMON.
To access the College’s Homework Policy please open the Parent Handbook in PAM and select Policies and Guidelines.