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.

TOOLS

LITERARY TECHNIQUES

TEXTS AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Module C - The Craft of Writing

PDF of our planning pad for download



PDF of our Mind Map pad for download

“Let’s Talk About the HSC”

The ultimate podcast for students and parents navigating the journey of the HSC. Presented by HSC CoWorks, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of the HSC experience, offering expert advice, study tips, and insights into achieving academic success.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, managing stress, or looking for ways to stay motivated, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things HSC. Join us as we chat with educators, students, and professionals to help you thrive during this important academic milestone!

Listen Here

Watch Here

Instagram

The upcoming April school holidays present a fantastic opportunity—not just to catch up, but to get ahead of what’s to come.

For Year 12 students, the next Term is particularly intense, with a race to complete all course content before the Trial Exams. Students who do very little over the break will find themselves under more pressure during the term, especially alongside school, sport, co-curricular and social commitments.

For our Year 11 students, this holiday period is a chance to build brain circuitry and develop familiarity with Term 2 content before it’s formally taught. Starting the term with that early awareness and understanding is always less stressful than walking in cold.

For these reasons HSC COWORKS IS OPEN during the school holidays and we encourage Year 11&12 students to attend their sessions so that they can get ahead of Term 2!

3 0

Open

The upcoming April school holidays present a fantastic opportunity—not just to catch up, but to get ahead of what’s to come.
For Year 12 students, the next Term is particularly intense, with a race to complete all course content before the Trial Exams. Students who do very little over the break will find themselves under more pressure during the term, especially alongside school, sport, co-curricular and social commitments.
For our Year 11 students, this holiday period is a chance to build brain circuitry and develop familiarity with Term 2 content before it’s formally taught. Starting the term with that early awareness and understanding is always less stressful than walking in cold.
For these reasons HSC COWORKS IS OPEN during the school holidays and we encourage Year 11&12 students to attend their sessions so that they can get ahead of Term 2!

👏🏼 MAKE 👏🏼 YOUR 👏🏼 APRIL 👏🏼 HOLIDAYS 👏🏼 COUNT 👏🏼

What are our top 3️⃣ strategies to make the most for your upcoming break? ☀️

Link in Bio 👆🏼🔗

#hsccoworks #schoolholidays #hsc #aprilholidays #hsc2025 #hsc2026 #hscstudy #hscstudytips

4 0

Open

👏🏼 MAKE 👏🏼 YOUR 👏🏼 APRIL 👏🏼 HOLIDAYS 👏🏼 COUNT 👏🏼
What are our top 3️⃣ strategies to make the most for your upcoming break? ☀️
Link in Bio 👆🏼🔗
#hsccoworks #schoolholidays #hsc #aprilholidays #hsc2025 #hsc2026 #hscstudy #hscstudytips

JOIN OUR APRIL HOLIDAY BOOTCAMP 🥾💪🏻 & make some serious progress with your HSC prep these holidays!

April 14-17 10am-2pm | Final places remaining in Bondi & Chatswood! Link in bio 👆🏼🤩

Available for Year 11 & 12 | Available for members & non-members

5 0

Open

JOIN OUR APRIL HOLIDAY BOOTCAMP 🥾💪🏻 & make some serious progress with your HSC prep these holidays!
April 14-17 10am-2pm | Final places remaining in Bondi & Chatswood! Link in bio 👆🏼🤩
Available for Year 11 & 12 | Available for members & non-members

WE ARE HIRING!

Are you a 2024 HSC graduate who wants to make a real impact whilst getting great experience and learning skills to support you land a grad role?

HSC CoWorks Mosman & Balgowlah are on the lookout for inspiring and enthusiastic Coaches to join our team!

If you:

✅ Crushed the HSC in 2024
✅ Love helping others succeed
✅ Bring good vibes, energy, and communication skills
✅ Want to build your resume and leadership skills
Then we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Positions available at both Mosman and Balgowlah campuses

📆 Must be available during July 2025

Tag a friend who should apply or follow the link in our bio to learn more.

#CoachingJob #HSCmentor #MosmanJobs #BalgowlahJobs #HSCsuccess

5 1

Open

WE ARE HIRING!
Are you a 2024 HSC graduate who wants to make a real impact whilst getting great experience and learning skills to support you land a grad role?
HSC CoWorks Mosman & Balgowlah are on the lookout for inspiring and enthusiastic Coaches to join our team!
If you:
✅ Crushed the HSC in 2024
✅ Love helping others succeed
✅ Bring good vibes, energy, and communication skills
✅ Want to build your resume and leadership skills
Then we’d love to hear from you!
📍 Positions available at both Mosman and Balgowlah campuses
📆 Must be available during July 2025
Tag a friend who should apply or follow the link in our bio to learn more.
#CoachingJob #HSCmentor #MosmanJobs #BalgowlahJobs #HSCsuccess

💥UNLOCK YOUR HSC SUPEROWERS 💥

When we see others achieving the success we want, it’s easy to assume they have something special. But the truth is, they don’t have any superpowers that you don’t also possess!

🚀 Link in bio to learn how to disover your HSC potential!🚀

5 0

Open

💥UNLOCK YOUR HSC SUPEROWERS 💥
When we see others achieving the success we want, it’s easy to assume they have something special. But the truth is, they don’t have any superpowers that you don’t also possess!
🚀 Link in bio to learn how to disover your HSC potential!🚀