One school sends home a weekly sheet, another sets nothing but reading, and a friend’s child seems to have homework every night. So how much homework should a primary school child have? In Victoria and NSW, the answer is that each school decides. Here’s what the official policies say, why reading counts for so much, and some calm habits that make homework easier for everyone.
Is there a rule for how much homework?
Not a statewide number of minutes. In both Victoria and NSW, each school writes its own homework policy or guidelines.
In Victoria, the Department of Education’s homework policy says: “Victorian government schools are required to have a homework policy and communicate it to staff, parents/carers and students.” It adds that “the content of this policy is not prescribed, but should be evidence-informed and comprehensive, and must be developed in consultation with the school community.” The policy gives no minutes for any year level.
In NSW, the Department of Education’s advice says each school “must develop homework guidelines that communicate the school’s position on providing homework for students.” A NSW public school can even choose not to set homework: the Department provides an example of guidelines for schools that don’t.
| Victoria | NSW | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides? | Each government school, in its homework policy | Each public school, in its homework guidelines |
| Set minutes? | None in the Department’s policy | None in the Department’s advice |
| First year of school | Up to the school | “Kindergarten students are not expected to complete homework but may be given books to read at home.” |
So where do the numbers you hear come from? From individual school policies. For example, one Melbourne primary school’s policy caps Prep at 15 minutes a day, mostly reading, and Years 5 and 6 at 30 minutes. Your school’s limits may be different, so ask for its policy or look on its website. Catholic and independent schools set their own rules too.
What kind of homework is normal?
The Victorian Government’s homework page for parents says the type of homework “will depend on: their age / the subject / the school’s homework policy / their teacher”, and that these also shape “the length of the homework and the level of difficulty.” Its examples of practice tasks include reading, maths problems, practising words learnt in another language and playing a musical instrument.
NSW gives a clearer picture by age:
- Kindergarten: no homework expected, though books may come home to read.
- Years 1 and 2: “simple homework may include” reading books provided by the teacher, “listening to and retelling stories”, “writing sentences”, practising handwriting “by tracing letters or words”, “completing mathematical activities” and “playing educational games that reinforce class concepts”.
- Years 3 to 6: homework “may be more varied, allowing for greater independence”, such as reading logs, short stories, maths problems and research projects.
Homework without a screen
Victoria’s homework policy includes a clear recommendation for primary schools: “It is strongly recommended that primary schools do not set homework that requires use of a digital device.” It explains that device use at home “can risk distraction or exposure to inappropriate content” where supervision and internet filters vary.
That doesn’t rule out screens altogether. The same policy says it “does not prevent students and families from choosing to use digital devices to support their homework where appropriate.” If you do use a learning app, our guide to screen time that helps has ideas for keeping it short, calm and shared.
What makes homework worth doing?
The Victorian policy lists conditions that make homework more effective, including when “it is set at an appropriate level for each student, supporting those who are experiencing difficulty and extending those of high-ability”, when “choice in tasks is provided”, and when “it supports students to have a balance of school-related and non-school related activity in their lives”.
That last point matters. Play, sport, chores, family time and sleep are all part of a good week. For young children, the most valuable homework is usually the simplest: reading together.
A calm 10-minute routine at home
- Same time, same place. The Victorian Government suggests: “Help your child to do their homework at the same time everyday.” Straight after a snack works well for many families.
- Read first. Your child reads to you, then you read to them. Ten minutes of reading together is often the heart of primary homework.
- One small practice task. A few spelling words (see spelling at home), some sounds (see phonics at home) or a quick maths game (see everyday maths talk).
- Stop on a win. Finish while it’s still going well, and say what they did well.
Questions to ask your school
- Can I see the school’s homework policy?
- How long should homework take at my child’s year level?
- What should we do if my child can’t finish it, or finds it too hard?
- Is reading at home part of homework, and how should we record it?
A parent–teacher interview is a good time to ask, but you can email the teacher whenever homework isn’t working.
Questions parents ask
How much homework should a primary school child have?
There’s no statewide number of minutes in Victoria or NSW. Each school sets its own homework policy, so ask your school. For young children, regular reading at home is usually the most useful homework.
Does Victoria have a homework policy?
Yes. Every Victorian government school must have a homework policy and share it with families. The Department doesn’t prescribe what it says, and it strongly recommends that primary schools don’t set homework that needs a digital device.
Is homework compulsory in primary school?
It depends on the school. In NSW, each public school decides its own position on homework, and some choose not to set it. In Victoria, each government school’s homework policy sets out what is expected.
Should Prep children get homework?
In NSW, Kindergarten students are not expected to complete homework but may be given books to read at home. In Victoria it’s up to each school. One Melbourne primary school’s policy, for example, asks Prep children to read with a grown-up for 10 to 15 minutes a day.
What homework do Year 1 and Year 2 children get?
NSW guidance suggests simple tasks: reading books from the teacher, retelling stories, writing sentences, tracing letters or words, maths activities and educational games.
What should I do if my child’s homework is too hard?
Stop, and talk to the teacher. The Victorian Government encourages families to contact the teacher or school if they have questions about homework or think their child needs extra help.
Sources
- Homework: policy, Victorian Department of Education
- Homework, Victorian Government
- Homework K–12 advice, NSW Department of Education
- Homework policy (example of one school’s policy), Williamstown Primary School
