Is Optional Homework A Good Idea?

Mar 15, 2015

The Sydney Morning Herald reported today on the increased incidence of schools adopting an optional homework policy for primary school students. These schools have an “Opt Out” policy allowing parents to make the decision on whether their child completes all of their homework or not, based on other family commitments and time constraints. This is based on research suggesting that there is little evidence that homework lifts academic performance for primary school students.

“A recent OECD report found that students in Australia’s private schools do two hours’ more homework each week than their public school peers but their results were are no better once socio-economic advantage was taken into consideration.” (Sydney Morning Herald, March 15 2015)

Currently there is no standardised guide provided by the NSW Department of Education as to how much homework students should receive in Primary school, instead allowing schools to decide their own policies.

At HSC CoWorks we do believe that homework has it’s place, in both primary and secondary school, and understand too well that the content delivery required by the Board of Studies is such that it cannot be completely covered during school hours. However we are also very clear with our students that they MUST make time for the important study tasks which are going to maximise their results come the HSC. These include;

Memorisation, concentrating on Stretch & Challenge (generating mindmaps, submitting essay building templates for marking)
Submitting practice exam style questions for marking via our website
Submitting practice essays for marking via our website

It is very easy for students to become over burdened with homework and we regularly see students try to complete this in their weekly session at HSC CoWorks. We are quick to stop this. A student’s time at HSC CoWorks is best maximised being stretched and challenged, moved out of their comfort zone and focusing on the study techniques which are going to improve their end of year results.

Link to the full article here.

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Year 11 exams are often the first time students realise something isn’t quite working.

❌Hours of study.. Still forgetting everything in the exam.
❌Understand it at home...But freeze under pressure.
❌Trying hard...But overwhelmed balancing every subject at once.

The reality is that succeeding isn’t just about working harder. It’s about learning how to prepare, how to study, and how to perform when it matters.

At HSC CoWorks, we coach students to build the habits, confidence and exam skills they’ll rely on for their Year 11 exams and throughout Year 12.

#hsccoworks #hsc2027 #year11 #year11exams #free14daytrial

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Year 11 exams are often the first time students realise something isn’t quite working.
❌Hours of study.. Still forgetting everything in the exam.
❌Understand it at home...But freeze under pressure.
❌Trying hard...But overwhelmed balancing every subject at once.
The reality is that succeeding isn’t just about working harder. It’s about learning how to prepare, how to study, and how to perform when it matters.
At HSC CoWorks, we coach students to build the habits, confidence and exam skills they’ll rely on for their Year 11 exams and throughout Year 12.
#hsccoworks #hsc2027 #year11 #year11exams #free14daytrial

Chatswood campus has had a glow up 🌟

Bringing the good vibes with more whiteboards, greenery, and lighting creating a space you’ll want to be every week as we support you up Mount HSC!

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #coworks #hscstudy

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Chatswood campus has had a glow up 🌟
Bringing the good vibes with more whiteboards, greenery, and lighting creating a space you’ll want to be every week as we support you up Mount HSC!
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #coworks #hscstudy

Study comes differently to our students. Here at HSC Coworks we foster a culture of studying because we want to, not because we have to! Our coaches ensuring students are locked in for #hsctrials !

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hscmotivation

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Study comes differently to our students. Here at HSC Coworks we foster a culture of studying because we want to, not because we have to! Our coaches ensuring students are locked in for #hsctrials !
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hscmotivation

When students think about preparing for Year 12, they often picture buying new stationery, organising folders, or enjoying one last holiday before the “real work” begins. The reality is that the students who thrive in Year 12 don’t wait until the first day of school to get organised. They start before the year even begins. While many Year 11 graduates spend the holidays doing a very minimal amount, the highest-performing students use that time to build a foundation that gives them confidence, clarity and momentum from the very first week.

Read our 3 tips for getting ahead on the blog

#hsc20207 #hsccoworks #hscstudytips #conquermounthsc

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When students think about preparing for Year 12, they often picture buying new stationery, organising folders, or enjoying one last holiday before the “real work” begins. The reality is that the students who thrive in Year 12 don’t wait until the first day of school to get organised. They start before the year even begins. While many Year 11 graduates spend the holidays doing a very minimal amount, the highest-performing students use that time to build a foundation that gives them confidence, clarity and momentum from the very first week.
Read our 3 tips for getting ahead on the blog
#hsc20207 #hsccoworks #hscstudytips #conquermounthsc

Thinking of studying away from home for uni?? Here’s why taking the risk is so worth it!

Moving from Sydney to Canberra was one of the biggest shifts Tara has made in her life, and her honest advice?... “You have to get out of your comfort zone”! However the independence, the new routines, and the chance to meet new friends are absolutely worth the initial uncertainty. In this episode, Tara discusses her degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Philosophy - a brand new program at ANU - and also what campus life is really like.

A must watch for anyone contemplating moving interstate for University next year!

#UniLife #hsccoworks #HSC2026 #ANU #canberravibes

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