There has been ongoing debate about the benefits or otherwise of setting homework.  Professor John Hattie's research found that homework wasn't of any benefit for primary school students but that it was for secondary school age kids.  I have to admit that as a Secondary teacher my own experience has been that the vast majority of students who complete their homework get better exam results.   Although just because there is a correlation it doesnt necessarily mean that there is a cause and effect relationship - but I do believe that practising any skill usually improves ability in that skill whether it be catching a ball or learning your times tables. 

It's interesting that the research showed homework was clearly not as useful at primary school age but I suspect it depends on the homework set.  I have found that some primary school type homework projects such as 'design and build a toy boat' can be a real pain -  on a busy weekend fill of sport, culture and family time the kid drags the assignment out of their bag on Sunday night, everyone stresses and Dad ends up doing the bulk of it to make sure his son doesn't look like an idiot come Monday!  All a bit of a waste of time and energy.   On the other hand I do believe that frequent little bits of numeracy and literacy at home can be very beneficial for primary school students if the knowledge taught reinforces their classroom learning.  I think homework for primary school children needs to be short & relevant - so that it gives meaningful practice, is low stress and involves parents in their children's education.  In saying that, I don't recall doing much if any homework myself at primary school but then maybe we did more numeracy and literacy during the school day.  What do you think?

Well here goes - it's always great fun pubishing a new website - a bit like the feeling of handing in a big essay or assignment.  I feel stoked to have it ready to go, but a bit anxious about how it will be received.  However I am a great believer in the idea that you learn best from making mistakes.  I have always told my students to see a big red cross as an opportunity to learn so I'll launch it out there and want you know I am open to any constructive criticism!