I want a relaxed approach to schooling for J’s primary school years. I don’t want homework, although I’m happy to support some reading at home and learning a few spellings or times tables. Secondary school is beginning to loom, but it’s not here yet, so all that can wait.
Over the years I’ve taken the chance when there has been the chance to give feedback to say the school gives too much homework. And yet more seems to come year on year. It seems that many parents are pushing for homework and many more just go along with it. It’s the pushy ones that annoy me. If they want their child to be hothoused, they can pay to go private or pay for a tutor. Their child’s life will probably be miserable and I hate that thought, but I don’t see why their views should be influence my child’s school.
Some parents seem to want end childhood early and start on the relentless reality of working life as early as possible. I really can’t understand why. Surely there is something to be said for having a long, happy, creative childhood before knuckling down to harder work as adulthood approaches? School under the national curriculum seems boring, regimented and predictable. We need some fun and creativity to be injected into it all.
I don’t think our school gets the balance right and I don’t think they are alone in this by any means. School should be fun, at least until 11 and hopefully beyond too. Learning through play and discovery should be a key part of the educational mix. There’s no reason why children can’t still learn a lot that way.
How is it at your child’s school? What do you think about homework?
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