YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING AT HOME
September 2026
There are so many conflicting views and expectations on the subject of homework. Here we clarify for our families The Olive Tree’s approach and practice. We also propose ways you can actively extend your child’s learning at home.
HOMEWORK IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
- What does educational research say about homework?
In primary, most research indicates that homework gives minimal to zero added value. Indeed, it can be counterproductive, adding more sedentary time to a child’s day when s/he is most tired and in need of free play and exploration.
Countries with the most progressive systems of schooling currently give no homework in the primary school; we agree.
- What about reading?
Yes, daily home reading is extremely valuable in the primary years. A daily habit and love of storytelling and non-fiction reading from babyhood will make the greatest difference to your child’s school success in primary, and beyond.
This is the process you can follow:
a. from the earliest years, read to your child every evening, making this a warm and wonderful moment for both of you, the highpoint of your day.
b. once your child can read a little, you should still continue to read magical stories to him/her.
c. once your child no longer wants to be read to, try reading your own book next to him/her, while s/he reads her own.
Talk about stories and books often: ‘If you were the rabbit, what would YOU have done?’ ‘Who’s the real hero in this story?’ ‘Is the villain also a lonely person?’ ‘Can you think of a better, alternative ending?’ ‘What are your favourite moments in this story?’
The benefits of this talk will build empathy for others, oral fluency, creativity and logical thinking.
- So how can my child consolidate the day’s class learning?
A great way for her/him to revisit the day’s learning (both academic and social-emotional) is through informal, regular chats with you.
Ask open-ended questions, in a spirit of great curiosity (never ‘testing’ him/her): ‘What did you build/construct this week?’ ‘What did you find new and surprising today?’ ‘What ideas did someone share that you don’t agree with?’ ‘Would you have liked to be a Roman child? Why/not?’ ‘What did you find tricky today and how did you solve it?’ ‘What made you proud today?’ ‘Did anything make you feel uncomfortable today?’ ‘What would you like to teach tomorrow if you were a teacher?’ ‘Who was extra kind today?’
- What about the value of an evening routine?
Apart from your joint reading time, you can set up an evening routine for your child through clubs: music, sport, a joint family hobby, drama.
It’s important not to overload a child with clubs; twice a week of organised clubs is plenty.
This leaves time for essential free play and developing friendships.
- What if my child is bored in the evenings? Should s/he do more clubs?
Boredom is a great thing; it’s the mother of creativity.
Your child will never be bored if you provide open-ended creative toys such as art supplies, wood and safe tools (with supervised use) or recycled objects for junk modelling.
No instructions, no task specified – let the imagination fly!
- So is no homework given at all in primary?
Exactly; there is no homework other than daily reading with/without an adult. However, a Creative Pack is given by our teachers to all children – for those who love little projects. These are entirely optional and should not be considered as homework.
HOMEWORK IN SECONDARY
- How much is given?
A very moderate amount. About 60 mins per day in ages 11–14; about 75 mins per day at age 14–16.
Young adults still need their evenings to balance their long hours in school; they need free time to socialise, be outdoors, and pursue private passions such as music, sport, art, drama.
Reading is still part of their daily routine; that will continue to make the biggest difference to their academic success.
- What’s the point of homework at age 11–16?
a. It consolidates the concepts explored in class
b. It teaches the skills of organising one’s thoughts and giving a personal response
c. It teaches the young adult to organise her/his time and space; the value of routine and self-discipline.
- How can I help my secondary child with homework?
You are the key person in creating the right conditions for homework.
● Lay aside mobiles and avoid using laptops.
● Provide a calm space to think and write quietly.
Some young adults prefer company (kitchen table); some prefer music, some silence (sound-cancelling headphones). They need to experiment and find their optimal thinking environment.
● Propose a home routine for all family, for example:
5.00 Family snack and chat
5.30 Homework (30 mins)
6.20 Break/reading (20 mins)
6.20 Homework (30 mins)
6.50 End homework
● Homework is best done in 30-minute chunks. For optimal concentration.
● Refer to the school diary for details of homework.
● Sit alongside your child and do your own quiet study/work as s/he works.
- How can I take an active role in my secondary child’s learning?
Great if you can! An attitude in you of intellectual curiosity and valuing your child’s opinions will be contagious.
You can achieve this by chatting regularly around a couple of open-ended questions (though any more will feel like an interrogation):
‘Did anything surprise you about the Vietnam War in History today?’
‘What character work did you do in Drama today?’
‘What debates and discussions happened today? Did you disagree with anyone? Why?’
‘What idea or question did you propose that made you proud?’
‘What did you find most challenging today? How did you resolve this?’
And remember to come into school regularly for Open Classrooms so you can see each unit of learning as it unfolds; this will keep your dialogue alive at home.
Audrey
September 2026
