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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, submittingΒ 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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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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🚨 MARCH RAFFLE – FINAL DAYS TO WIN A $75 WESTFIELD VOUCHER 🚨

Every rep = a shot to win.

Upload a Mind Map β†’ 🎟️ 1 entry
Submit a Challenge Question β†’ 🎟️ 1 entry

The more you submit… the more chances you have. Simple.

But here’s the real win πŸ‘‡
Every submission = feedback
Every feedback = chance for improvement

🎯 Practice. Submit. Win.

3 0
Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18368604457206181
🚨 MARCH RAFFLE – FINAL DAYS TO WIN A $75 WESTFIELD VOUCHER 🚨 Every rep = a shot to win. Upload a Mind Map β†’ 🎟️ 1 entry Submit a Challenge Question β†’ 🎟️ 1 entry The more you submit… the more chances you have. Simple. But here’s the real win πŸ‘‡ Every submission = feedback Every feedback = chance for improvement 🎯 Practice. Submit. Win.

One of the biggest mistakes students make in the HSC is trying to avoid getting things wrong.

❌ They delay practice.
❌ They wait until they feel ready.
❌ They leave feedback too late.

Confidence doesn’t come from getting your answers right the first time. It comes from getting it WRONG early enough to improve.

The students who perform best:
βœ… Practice questions early
βœ… Practice their writing consistently
βœ… Get feedback weeks (not days) before exams

🎯 The goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it, early, so you can walk into exams calm, prepared, and confident.

3 0
Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18124609501586302
One of the biggest mistakes students make in the HSC is trying to avoid getting things wrong. ❌ They delay practice. ❌ They wait until they feel ready. ❌ They leave feedback too late. Confidence doesn’t come from getting your answers right the first time. It comes from getting it WRONG early enough to improve. The students who perform best: βœ… Practice questions early βœ… Practice their writing consistently βœ… Get feedback weeks (not days) before exams 🎯 The goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it, early, so you can walk into exams calm, prepared, and confident.

The students who stay consistent during the HSC?

They’re not more disciplined. They’re more connected.

Connected to:
πŸ”οΈWhere they’re going
πŸ”οΈ Who they want to become
πŸ”οΈ What’s possible if they follow through

Because when your vision is strong, you stop negotiating with yourself.

You don’t wake up and ask: β€œDo I feel like studying today?”

You wake up and ask: β€œβ€œWhat do I need to do today to get closer to the top of Mount HSC?”

5 1
Open post by hsccoworks with ID 18022966271810060
The students who stay consistent during the HSC? They’re not more disciplined. They’re more connected. Connected to: πŸ”οΈWhere they’re going πŸ”οΈ Who they want to become πŸ”οΈ What’s possible if they follow through Because when your vision is strong, you stop negotiating with yourself. You don’t wake up and ask: β€œDo I feel like studying today?” You wake up and ask: β€œβ€œWhat do I need to do today to get closer to the top of Mount HSC?”

So many students wait until they feel motivated or have a solid study plan before they begin πŸ™…β€β™€οΈπŸ™…

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 πŸ™…β€β™€οΈπŸ™… 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.