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

So many students wait until they feel motivated or have a solid study plan before they begin 🙅‍♀️🙅

But in reality, motivation usually comes after the first action is taken. You don’t need the perfect plan. You just need the first step.

Start small. Just start.

0 0

Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18579562120023195

So many students wait until they feel motivated or have a solid study plan before they begin 🙅‍♀️🙅
But in reality, motivation usually comes after the first action is taken. You don’t need the perfect plan. You just need the first step.
Start small. Just start.

What does a week at CoWorks look like?

It’s not just one session. It’s not just one weekly touchpoint.

It’s a full system of support designed to build confidence and keep students consistently organised, proactive and motivated across the week.

We still have a few places available for Year 12 students across our campuses. If you’re interested, we’d love to invite you to a free 7-day trial so you can see why students choose CoWorks.

#free7daytrial #hsccoworks #hsc2026

6 0

Open post by hsccoworks with ID 17927397465251018

What does a week at CoWorks look like?
It’s not just one session. It’s not just one weekly touchpoint.
It’s a full system of support designed to build confidence and keep students consistently organised, proactive and motivated across the week.
We still have a few places available for Year 12 students across our campuses. If you’re interested, we’d love to invite you to a free 7-day trial so you can see why students choose CoWorks.
#free7daytrial #hsccoworks #hsc2026

April Study Bootcamp is coming...

The April holidays are a critical time for Year 12 students preparing for the busiest assessment term of the year. While a short break is important, using some of this time to get ahead can make a huge difference for Term 2.

At Bootcamp, students will:
✅ Build essays for upcoming texts and modules
🎯 Practice exam-style responses for completed topics
💡 Strengthen readiness for Term 2 assessments

For Year 11 students, one third of the year is already complete. With only two terms until the HSC year begins, this is the perfect time to consolidate preliminary topics and build strong foundations.

Across the 4-hour structured session each day, students tackle English and other key “frog” subjects to ensure meaningful progress before the term begins.

Link to book in Bio

4 0

Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18115362886647739

April Study Bootcamp is coming...
The April holidays are a critical time for Year 12 students preparing for the busiest assessment term of the year. While a short break is important, using some of this time to get ahead can make a huge difference for Term 2.
At Bootcamp, students will:
✅ Build essays for upcoming texts and modules
🎯 Practice exam-style responses for completed topics
💡 Strengthen readiness for Term 2 assessments
For Year 11 students, one third of the year is already complete. With only two terms until the HSC year begins, this is the perfect time to consolidate preliminary topics and build strong foundations.
Across the 4-hour structured session each day, students tackle English and other key “frog” subjects to ensure meaningful progress before the term begins.
Link to book in Bio

We heard your feedback and we’ve made a change.

We’ve introduced an earlier Virtual Campus session time for those wanting the option to receive coaching support earlier in the evening.
🔥 Same coaches.
🔥 Same focus.
🔥 Just a time that works better.

Existing students - contact us if you’d like to try the earlier option.

New students - book your free 7 day trial #linkinbio

3 0

Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18095694502799704

We heard your feedback and we’ve made a change.
We’ve introduced an earlier Virtual Campus session time for those wanting the option to receive coaching support earlier in the evening.
🔥 Same coaches.
🔥 Same focus.
🔥 Just a time that works better.
Existing students - contact us if you’d like to try the earlier option.
New students - book your free 7 day trial #linkinbio

Want an instant HSC advantage?

Stop taking random notes and start using the only document your exams are based on: the syllabus.

Your map up Mount HSC = your biggest weapon.

Not sure how to use the syllabus to elevate your study? Our latest blog shows you how! 🧗‍♂️📘🔥

#hsc2026 #hsccoworks #hscstudyskills

2 0

Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18061471700675388

Want an instant HSC advantage?
Stop taking random notes and start using the only document your exams are based on: the syllabus.
Your map up Mount HSC = your biggest weapon.
Not sure how to use the syllabus to elevate your study? Our latest blog shows you how! 🧗‍♂️📘🔥
#hsc2026 #hsccoworks #hscstudyskills