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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Module C - The Craft of Writing

PDF of our planning pad for download

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PDF of our Mind Map pad for download

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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!

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Most students will start their year 11 prelims in just a couple of short weeks which is enough to make a significant difference to your exam results if you use it wisely.

The key now is to stop simply studying and to start training for your exams.

In our latest article, we break down 4 Steps to Exam Prep Success:

1️⃣ Know where you stand: identify the topics that need your attention most.

2️⃣ Recall, don’t just re-read: practice producing what you know without your notes.

3️⃣ Start exam training now: get into exam style questions and timed practice now.

4️⃣ Practice → Feedback → Improve: find out where you’re losing marks and fix it before exam day.

You don’t need two weeks of panic. You need two weeks of consistent, focused action.

👉 Read the full blog #linkinbio and make the next two weeks count.

#Year11 #StudyTips #HSCCoWorks #ExamTraining

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Most students will start their year 11 prelims in just a couple of short weeks which is enough to make a significant difference to your exam results if you use it wisely.
The key now is to stop simply studying and to start training for your exams.
In our latest article, we break down 4 Steps to Exam Prep Success:
1️⃣ Know where you stand: identify the topics that need your attention most.
2️⃣ Recall, don’t just re-read: practice producing what you know without your notes.
3️⃣ Start exam training now: get into exam style questions and timed practice now.
4️⃣ Practice → Feedback → Improve: find out where you’re losing marks and fix it before exam day.
You don’t need two weeks of panic. You need two weeks of consistent, focused action.
👉 Read the full blog #linkinbio and make the next two weeks count.
#Year11 #StudyTips #HSCCoWorks #ExamTraining

The Trials are now over for many students… so what happens next..!?!

For many Year 12 students, this is when the post-Trials slump kicks in.

After months of assessments, revision and exam pressure, the intensity suddenly drops. Graduation is around the corner, the HSC still feels a little way away, and motivation can disappear fast.

But Trials are not the finish line. They’re the dress rehearsal and they have just given you incredibly valuable information about where marks are being lost and where to focus your energy before the real HSC exams begin.

In our latest blog, we share our 5 tips for getting out of the post-Trials slump and finishing your HSC strong:
1️⃣ Take a short, intentional break - Recover and reset, but give your break an end date.
2️⃣ Turn your Trial results into a game plan - Use your results and feedback to identify exactly where you can improve.
3️⃣ Don’t wait to “feel motivated” - Reconnect with your goals and start taking small actions. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
4️⃣ Move from studying to exam training - Past papers. Timed responses. Essays. Feedback. Corrections. Make your mistakes now, not in the HSC exam room.
5️⃣ Use the support around you - The HSC CoWorks Teachers, Coaches, HSC Markers and subject experts can provide the structure, accountability and feedback you need through the final stretch.

There is still plenty of opportunity between Trials and the HSC to improve.

Read the full blog via the link in our bio.

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsctrials #hscexams #hscmotivation

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The Trials are now over for many students… so what happens next..!?!
For many Year 12 students, this is when the post-Trials slump kicks in.
After months of assessments, revision and exam pressure, the intensity suddenly drops. Graduation is around the corner, the HSC still feels a little way away, and motivation can disappear fast.
But Trials are not the finish line. They’re the dress rehearsal and they have just given you incredibly valuable information about where marks are being lost and where to focus your energy before the real HSC exams begin.
In our latest blog, we share our 5 tips for getting out of the post-Trials slump and finishing your HSC strong:
1️⃣ Take a short, intentional break - Recover and reset, but give your break an end date.
2️⃣ Turn your Trial results into a game plan - Use your results and feedback to identify exactly where you can improve.
3️⃣ Don’t wait to “feel motivated” - Reconnect with your goals and start taking small actions. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
4️⃣ Move from studying to exam training - Past papers. Timed responses. Essays. Feedback. Corrections. Make your mistakes now, not in the HSC exam room.
5️⃣ Use the support around you - The HSC CoWorks Teachers, Coaches, HSC Markers and subject experts can provide the structure, accountability and feedback you need through the final stretch.
There is still plenty of opportunity between Trials and the HSC to improve.
Read the full blog via the link in our bio.
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsctrials #hscexams #hscmotivation

🎳 We’re bowling over the “Post Trials Slump” and bringing a little extra fun and motivation into your CoWorks Chatswood sessions🔥

This is the period where the intensity suddenly drops, motivation disappears and the thought of getting back into serious study (for HSC Final Exams) feels almost impossible.

So for students who hit a 7+ day streak & complete all their session goals in this period, you will be eligible to score a FREE game at Strike Bowling! Because consistent action deserves to be celebrated 🌟

#HSCCoWorks #StrikeBowling #HSC2026 #StudyMotivation #ConsistencyCounts

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🎳 We’re bowling over the “Post Trials Slump” and bringing a little extra fun and motivation into your CoWorks Chatswood sessions🔥
This is the period where the intensity suddenly drops, motivation disappears and the thought of getting back into serious study (for HSC Final Exams) feels almost impossible.
So for students who hit a 7+ day streak & complete all their session goals in this period, you will be eligible to score a FREE game at Strike Bowling! Because consistent action deserves to be celebrated 🌟
#HSCCoWorks #StrikeBowling #HSC2026 #StudyMotivation #ConsistencyCounts

🚨 FINAL HSC 2026 STUDY BOOTCAMP 🚨

Make those final weeks count.

Join us for our final HSC Study Bootcamp and get the structure, support and expert coaching you need to turn your preparation into exam performance.

📅 WEEK 1
Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 Oct

📅 WEEK 2
Tues 6 Oct – Fri 9 Oct

⏰ 10AM – 2PM DAILY

📍 Balgowlah
📍 Bondi Junction
📍 Chatswood
📍 Mosman

✓ Practise past papers & exam-style questions
✓ Get expert Coach support when you’re stuck
✓ Receive feedback and identify where marks are being lost
✓ Stay focused, accountable and productive
✓ Build confidence before walking into the HSC exam room

🔥 PLACES ARE LIMITED & SELLING FAST

Secure your Bootcamp place now #linkinbio

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🚨 FINAL HSC 2026 STUDY BOOTCAMP 🚨
Make those final weeks count.
Join us for our final HSC Study Bootcamp and get the structure, support and expert coaching you need to turn your preparation into exam performance.
📅 WEEK 1
Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 Oct
📅 WEEK 2
Tues 6 Oct – Fri 9 Oct
⏰ 10AM – 2PM DAILY
📍 Balgowlah
📍 Bondi Junction
📍 Chatswood
📍 Mosman
✓ Practise past papers & exam-style questions
✓ Get expert Coach support when you’re stuck
✓ Receive feedback and identify where marks are being lost
✓ Stay focused, accountable and productive
✓ Build confidence before walking into the HSC exam room
🔥 PLACES ARE LIMITED & SELLING FAST
Secure your Bootcamp place now #linkinbio

Students hitting the challenge board in Chatswood tonight 💪

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscexamskills

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Students hitting the challenge board in Chatswood tonight 💪
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscexamskills