A LOWER Hutt School is taking an innovative approach to homework by building in a personal interest component.
Visiting an elderly neighbour, cooking, or making an effort to work on fitness are examples of the options available, says principal Paul Roche, pictured left.
The school has added the foundation of personal interest because it fits in with the special characteristics of the school, and community work is among these.
That’s not to say reading, writing and arithmetic are being discarded.
For example students can also choose something more academic, such as maths achievement.
Mr Roche says keeping up to date with work inside the classroom, reading, writing and spelling will still be expected from pupils.
He is currently developing the new homework programme, which is based on an idea used at other schools, and staff have been on development courses for it.
The programme will be introduced to students and parents in the middle of term two.
Students will be encouraged to choose something of interest to them as long as it fits the criteria.
Mr Roche says the new homework programme is easier to manage and better suits school children and their families.
“Homework shouldn’t be a burden on family,” said Mr Roche.
Mr Roche says it is important students have the opportunity to interact with family and have time for personal interests.
In other news at the school, the school field will be replaced with supergrass and the gardens are being designed so children can use them for educational purposes.
Children who are interested will have the opportunity to learn about gardening and how to recycle waste.
Construction on the school field has begun and should be completed by the beginning of term two.
GREEN FIELDS: Saints Peter and Paul School deputy principal Christine Bartlett with pupils beside the school's field to be re-laid with supergrass.