The Robert Fitzroy
Homework Survey Report
March 2016
Background
In January 2016, parents were invited to complete an online survey about the homework at the Robert Fitzroy academy.
The online survey company, SurveyMonkey, was used to collate the data. The aim of the survey was to gain an insight
into parental experiences and feelings about their children’s homework.
We received 75 responses in total from all four year groups, which suggest a response rate of 18%, based on a figure of
409 families within the school.
The key findings of the survey are summarised below.
Key findings
 Majority of parents see the importance of their children receiving homework.
 Over 30% of parents who participated would like to have some input in decisions made regarding
homework frequency and amount.
 Between 61- 72 % of parents feel the homework provided supports their children’s learning and gives
them sufficient challenges.
 While 59% parents would like prefer to receive homework via bookbags, 66% would like to receive
additional knowledge and information via the website, leaflets or parent workshops.
Q.1 What year group is your
child?
Reception
18%
Year 3
29%
Year 1
17%
Q.2 I think homework is…
Unnecessary
5%
Useful but
not
necessary
24%
V.important
44%
Year 2
36%
Important
27%
Q.3 What do you think about the
amount of homework your child gets
per week?
Not enough
23%
Too much
15%
About right
62%
Q.4 How much control should parents have
over the amount of homework their child
has?
Q.5 My child enjoys working
on more open ended tasks
and extended projects for
Strongly
homework.
I should be
able to set the
limit.
12%
Other
10%
Disagree
13%
Ishould be
able to
request more
17%
Strongly
agree
22%
Ishould be
able to excuse
my child from
homework
12%
Teachers
should control
the amount
and content of
homework
49%
Agree
62%
Q.6 I feel the homework provided gives my
child sufficient challenge
Strongly
disagree
7%
disagree
3%
Strongly agree
14%
Q.7 I feel that the homework given
supports my child's learning at
school
Sometimes
23%
No
5%
Disagree
18%
Yes
72%
Agree
61%
Q.8 I would prefer it if homework
tasks were accessible to parents via
the school website
I prefer
receiving
homework
via book
bags
59%
Yes
36%
Q.9 Do you feel you have enough knowledge to help
your child with their homework? Would you
welcome/use any of the following if they were
available?
Additional
information
on the website
23%
Yes
30%
information
leaflets
24%
No
5%
Parent
workshops
19%
No
4%
Parents told us:
So far, I think the homework has been very good. The food topic over the Christmas holidays was brilliant! It enabled us to encourage
our daughter to try lots of new things, something she was much keener to do because it was for school. Although, at this stage, some
of the tasks have required a high level of parental support, I still think it is a good habit for her (and us) to get into. I think a mix of
tasks, some which the children can do more independently, would be good. I like to hear about the work the class have been doing
and the homework provides a good opportunity for me to talk to my daughter about it. Whilst there are, of course, weekends when it
can feel like a struggle to fit everything in, I think the homework is largely a positive experience and supports her learning at school.
I think homework is an important part of a child's education journey and its needed to keep children grounded, so that they will
understand fundamentally, which will help them in the future and also to make the right choices
Homework provides an insight to what my child is doing at school, so therefore it should be relevant to the class teachings
Children are not given enough time to play at school and I feel that perhaps children should be allowed that time at home to play
instead of doing homework. At primary school age - being active and being able to play, is more beneficial than sitting down and
doing more work.
We are very happy with RFA and all they do to support children's learning. They are a fantastic team!
I think schools need to keep in mind the demands of a young family on parents' time and energy. I would LOVE to help with my child's
learning, but there aren't enough hours in the day for me as it is. She spends all day at school, I think she deserves a rest too.
Homework is good for letting parents know what children are learning and how, and connecting us with what goes on at school.
Holiday projects take too much time and energy though. I don't want to be stressing about my daughter's homework not being done,
or trying to think up something for her to do. A more clearly set task would be better. I've put in a lot of years in studying and
homework, and I don't feel I should be feeling anxious about getting homework done anymore. Especially when my child is only in
Year 1.
I think the amount of homework given is fine. I also like that there is no pressure to have it completed within a strict timescale. My
child enjoys homework but is busy with activities and so doesn’t always have it completed on time and there are no penalties for her
doing it at a later time which is great.
Homework is essential as parents come to know what they are learning in classroom. And whether they are up to it or not.
I am happy with the homework given each week to my child. I feel that setting 10-15 minutes aside per day teaches the kids discipline
and being responsible for their own work/progress. My son enjoys doing his homework 95% of the time and sometimes even requests
more maths on mathletics.
I feel that homework is an important part of the school week, as it helps involve parents in their child's progress and current school
topics, however, if homework is set, it needs to be marked correctly and feedback given, when necessary. Understandably teachers
are busy and may not have time to go through homework every week, but I think that if a child has spent time and efforts into the
homework, sufficient feedback should be given. A "brilliant" stamp is not always enough, particularly when there are errors that are
not highlighted to the child. I have experienced this, and discussed this with the teacher, who unfortunately, felt that it was not
realistic for a parent to expect homework to be marked to that level and that if I feel a piece of homework should be looked at
carefully I should raise this with the teacher. If a child has a particular area of concern (IE - writing) then homework of this subject
should be carefully considered, and marked so that progression can be seen.
I prefer to know what my child is learning each week/term (particularly in literacy & numeracy), & work on those objectives at home,
especially the areas my child is struggling in (own targets given to them), using books I have & IT resources provided by school. If lots
of homework is given it is difficult to find the time to do this.
I think projects are great for holidays as you can do as much or little as you like depending on child's interests and your holiday plans.
On a weekly basis my children knowing there is a set amount and once it's done it’s finished.
Projects' over the holidays can be very stressful for parents! In year 1 the onus is on the parents to 'help' - which means think
something up as well as do a lot of it. Holidays should be holidays for kids. It doesn't take into account that some families will be
travelling and away from home visiting relatives.
We would prefer to have homework’s based on SATs exam
In the subjects where he is strongest my son doesn't get challenged enough
I feel that the homework is not consistent and tends to be fall short of the academic level my child is current at, which does not
reinforce my child's learning that takes place at school.
I'd prefer more specific areas of maths and literacy, e.g. grammar, learning times tables, division etc. that can be applied across their
numeracy / literacy work
Sometimes I wonder if homework is just a reaction to the school's perception of parents' desire for homework.
I personally would like [homework] in bags and accessible on the website, as if homework sheets do not make it home or are lost or
the child is off sick on the day the homework is given
I don't mind if we had to access online too. I think the paper homework is traditional and welcomed and additional online resources
are a good combination to have.
An assigned day to receive and to hand in to teacher. Plus a proper folder or book is a must in which to keep it in.
Also for parents to get feedback from homework done. 2 way process!
I feel I can support my child at home, and have a lot of my own resources that I don't find the time to use
You have a website that is not being maximized to its full potential - consider having a children’s area on the website where they can
access the websites you use in class, that updates on what is going on in class, that tells you at what stage year groups are working
on in the curriculum - the website is pretty - not used properly - it doesn’t even have the key dates that you put in your newsletters on
the calendar - if you want parent to be involved - make the information easily accessible - it shouldn't be a test to find information
Especially the grammar homework. Jargon is used with no explanation
I think that doing some form of writing helps to reinforce learning, I don't think discussions necessarily have the same impact on
learning.
Homework is a very important factor, I am satisfied with the current activities. But would prefer bit more help like parent workshops
to get more ideas to help our children.
I feel homework is good for the children it enables them to show they have listened in class and shows he parents more about what
they have been learning. I feel they need more feedback and recognition for the homework as sometimes they put a lot of effort in
and get no feedback which makes them feel like not bothering.
Homework helps us build child's confidence on the concepts covered on weekdays in school. They form an important part of learning.
Sometimes the amount of homework is overwhelming. We get home around 6.30pm each evening so just enough time for reading
before dinner and bed. We may have plans at the weekend so it's sometimes difficult to find time to complete the long list of
homework tasks. Would be good if the number of tasks could be varied each week.
In reception and year one I found that homework caused my son lots of stress and tears, so I am not in favour of homework for the
early years. In year 2 he seems better equipped to deal with it. But I am not sure what it contributes to his learning other than
allowing me to see what he is working on at school.
Given the inconclusive nature of the studies referred to on the efficacy of homework I think the school should exercise extreme
caution when contemplating removing or reducing the amount of homework given out to pupils.
I have seen much improvement in my son and I think having homework every week also has a very good part in it.
The onus is on the child to place the home work in the tray and although I remind her for weeks she forgets. I think that the teacher
should remind the children at term beginning on a Thursday its only year 2 and then by term 2 of the year the reminders lessen to
maybe a question- what day is it? And they will become more responsible-just a helpful thought
More homework supporting fundamental areas rather than long written tasks, or time-consuming construction projects
I have an older daughter in year 10 who has already started her GCSE as it was changed in 2015 and she claims she learnt what her
sibling in year 3 is learning now in year 5 and 6 . For that reason I would like make younger kids to be more challenged in school work
and homework.
My children do not enjoy homework and it is a struggle to get them to be interested. Also as a very very busy parent, I feel that I am
letting them down by not helping them do it properly.
My child goes to breakfast club and after school club so the day is long enough so when the weekend arrives then spending time
doing homework when they should be allowed to relax is a lot to ask of them.
We place a great deal of value on homework with our child and allocate a set amount of time every week to complete it. It is very
disappointing when the homework is therefore not marked or when there is simply a stamp with no teacher comment/feedback. It
would be appreciated if a comment/feedback could at least be given for the larger / project based tasks. Seeing work returned
unmarked does not incentivize our child.
In my experience homework has not always been marked, and on occasion last term when it was, it was marked with just a smiley
face which tells my daughter nothing about the quality of her work. Currently the homework given seems to be fun and my daughter
does not see it as a chore, however there has been times when she did not want to do it and I did not insist that she finished the
work. If homework is being set because the teacher cannot finish a lesson then there is something wrong.
Feedback on homework would be helpful. Also seeing books (weekly/2 weekly) would help parents know where child is at. 5 minutes
browse at parents evening is hardly sufficient.
Homework should be based on the 2016 SATs exam format for English and Maths. We would prefer to refer to school recommended
books to prepare our child for SATs this year. There should be more of writing work in literacy and mathematics
The school could do more to have meaningful engagement with parents. newsletters are great, homework sheets are great all very
good ways of communicating and informing parents - but it is all on the schools terms. in order to have meaningful engagement with
parents, being proactive in explaining and providing information and resources to parents that they can access would show the
schools real commitment to encouraging parents involvement - I dont see this a something the school is working towards or
committed to at this present time. The website is an essential portal of communication with parents and children - this should be
promoted more along with the use of your computer suite for those who are digitally excluded. again, having a homework area,
childrens area are tricks missed by the school - which is a shame and an area for improvement especially in this digital age. lots more
comments - but doubt any any commment that suggest improvements will be considered valid - but thanks for the opportunity to
share
Sometimes I feel too much pressure is being placed on the children too young and it turns my child off, although she is able.
The current homework helps me have an understanding of what he is learning each week at School. It also supports me to support
him to have a good understanding and extend the learning at home on a one to one basis.
More comments from teachers would be supported to know how the child is progressing with his homework and areas that need to
be worked on or more ideas to stretch them further.
I feel homework is very important, its not always about weather the child is getting the question correct or how little or big the
outcome is, its about forcing parents to help support children learning at home as well as in school. There needs to be a continual
pattern and parents need to be role models to support children excitement for school and education. I understand not all parents are
educated as well as others but that also provides opportunity for parents to learn and progress there knowledge and understanding
to use within the community. e.g. how much change they should get back from a note of money. Homework is important and i would
be very disappointed if this was scrapped. I feel that the school would be failing there children, there parents with lack of knowledge
and understanding and also the community. Children are very impressionable and if we teach them that its okay not to continue
there education outside if the classroom as well as in, then what would there success rate for school be? What we should be doing is
educating parents the importance of homework and outside learning and setting up learning programmes for them to get support.
I feel homework should be encouraged, because it helps me support my child's learning at school and discuss any challenges she may
have. It also reinforces what's been taught at school, helps the child's confidence and ability to learn independently as they grow
older. I appreciate that children have different learning abilities and some may require more support than others. However, I believe
every child should be given the opportunity to be challenged, be the best they can be and homework is one of many ways to make
that happen. I'll be very disappointed if homework is taken out of RFA's school program.
I have no problem with helping my child, but I am not always sure about the homework and sometimes I do not understand it myself.
In addition to supporting pupils with their school-based learning, homework could/should be an important aspect of out-of-school
learning that engages both the child and their parents/carers, but in a fun, appropriate and applicable way (hence why holiday
projects are good). Home learning should help unite pupil, teacher and parent/carer in a mutually beneficial way. I also think it's
good for a child to apply and undertake learning outside of school. My child hates homework and it's a huge struggle to get her to do
it, but she loves the projects. Perhaps address how 'homework' is presented (re-name 'weekly projects' and suggest more ownership
for the pupil, 'my own work', encourage self-initiated work done at home based on things learned in school, etc.) Never make it seem
like a test or a task (or a competition for parents!)
I believe the homework should be tailored to the child's ability as most of the time my child complains that the homework is too easy.
The best homework so far to date was the YR3 homework, using a Thesaurus to find synonyms. Also homework should be checked
and marked as children spend a good amount of time doing them. It would be nice that they got some recognition. Thanks
I think homework is essential in older children, so feel the earlier they start the more it will just come naturally to them. The more
prepared they are the better. Our daughter really enjoys doing her homework! I just make sure it's fun and not a big stress.
Personally I think parents who complain are just lazy!!
The homework must be consistent and a day/date set to complete by plus the children need a folder or book to keep it in.
I believe kids should get in the habit of doing h/w as it teaches them to work independently, a skill that is needed at higher levels of
education
My child is in breakfast and after school club, so in school from 0745 until 6pm, Monday through Friday which is a long day/week
when you are 6. I strongly believe in homework, however I'm also conscious that after a very long day it is unrealistic to ask my child
to sit and do further structured learning at home. I try to 'drop it in' to conversations and tasks so he's not aware that he's actually
continuing his learning albeit in an informal manner.
As it stands, engaging my child in the homework is a struggle. It too-often feels like homework makes learning something of a
burden. I would prefer that learning felt like a more positive activity & experience.
Homework is not always received via book bag for some reason and my child goes afterschool club so don't find out till its too late as
teacher has left so can’t do any homework at weekend as there is not much time in the weekdays, this has happened so many times, I
would welcome homework being accessible via the web and this is better for the environment!