Homework
Homework at Muirfield High School is a purposeful extension of classroom learning, designed to reinforce curriculum outcomes and cultivate a culture of high expectations. It challenges students to explore a variety of tasks and develop a broad range of skills, including identifying and effectively using information sources.
Positive homework routines foster students’ abilities to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, reflect on their progress, persist with challenging work, and build resilience. Through these practices, students gain essential lifelong skills such as time management, organisation, self-discipline, and strong study habits.
Homework Guidelines
Muirfield High School’s homework guidelines were developed in accordance with the NSW Department of Education’s Curriculum policy standards. We engaged with our wider community, parents, carers, teachers and students to determine an appropriate and consistent approach suited to our school context.
The guidelines include recommended homework times for each stage, but these are indicative. The quality and consistency of study are more important than the exact amount of time spent. There may be weeks, such as those leading up to assessment tasks or examinations, when students will typically spend more time on homework.
- Daily review of classwork, noting key concepts and terminology.
- Drafting longer written pieces, especially in English
- Topic summaries and study notes.
- Completion of set tasks (students can check Google Classroom Classwork).
- Reading, prescribed and related texts, wide reading, reading around topics.
- Reading current affairs to build global awareness
- Progress on upcoming assessments.
- Exam preparation with past papers.
- Background research for upcoming topics.
- Skill practice, such as language, speeches or creative projects.
- Extension work, for example via Atomi (for senior Science) or Maths textbooks.
- Students are encouraged to take responsibility for recording, organising and completing tasks within given timeframes.
- Teachers will communicate expectations of homework to students in class and/or via online platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, etc.).
- Teachers may provide feedback for homework verbally to the class and/or individually where required.
- If homework becomes challenging or unmanageable, the student needs to take responsibility for their learning and seek assistance or adjustments from their classroom teacher.
- Families can support by providing a quiet space and encouraging consistent routines.
- Families are encouraged to support their child in accessing online platforms, organise their time and take responsibility for their learning by ensuring tasks are completed within given timeframes.
Strategies to support students
- Establish a routine: Set a consistent time each day for homework. Routine helps children know wat to expect and builds positive habits.
- Create a positive student environment: Designate a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions, where your child can focus on their homework.
- Encourage independence: Guide your child, but encourage them to attempt tasks on their own. Praise their efforts and offer support as needed, fostering confidence and responsibility.
- Stay involved: Show interest in your child's studies and progress. Discuss what they are learning and offer help with difficult tasks.
- Promote balance and wellbeing: Ensure your child has time for rest, play, and other activities. Encourage short breaks during study to boost concentration and motivation.
- Set up your study space: Create a quiet and tidy study area to help you focus and make your study time efficient and effective.
- Review your classwork: Go over what you learned in class. Read notes from school workbook or textbook and check any information that is not clear with the class teacher.
- Prepare study notes using the syllabus: Write important notes from your school work. Use sub-headings, list definition, draw diagrams or create mind maps to summarise and organise information.
- Make flashcards: Use flashcards (paper or electronic) to record key facts and ideas. These are great for revising and testing yourself.
- Set small, achievable goals: Break your homework into smaller steps. Set goals you know you can achieve to help stay motivated.
- Balance your time: Make sure you mix homework with exercise, spending time with friends and healthy sleep habits.
School supports
HSC Tool Box
The Muirfield Toolbox is a comprehensive series of workshops designed to support our senior students in managing stress, enhancing focus, and achieving academic and personal success during their critical senior years. Through practical strategies and expert guidance, students gain essential skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
External Providers
Muirfield High School partners with external providers to deliver effective study skills workshops for students and informative seminars for parents. Student workshops build skills in note-taking, time management, and stress management, offering practical strategies for academic success.
Parent seminars help caregivers support their child's learning and wellbeing at home.
NESA resources
Find resources to help students prepare for examinations, maintain wellness and succeed.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.
Travel to school
Learn about local transport options and how to get here safely.