Homework should be axed to allow children the right to disconnect after school.

That’s the call from Rathcoole Educate Together principal Gemma Maher, who runs a ‘no-homework’ policy in her school.

She believes children, like adults, "have a right to disconnect" after a long day.

On The Hard Shoulder today, Ms Maher said she’s unsure if homework even improves a child’s education.

“There is actually no evidence to say that homework reinforces what's going on, and there’s no evidence to suggest it improves attainment by children,” she said.

“Adults have a right to disconnect, and so do children if they're in the right school, doing the right things.

“They're working really hard for us from 8.30am to 2.10pm, and they’re giving their full effort to do whatever we’re asking them to do.”

Extracurricular activities

Ms Maher said there are only so many hours in a day.

“When they’re in school, they are collaboratively learning, it’s not just sitting and writing, she said.

“By the end of the day, they’re absolutely exhausted and that’s when extracurricular activities kick in.

"I have two sons - one does piano, another does taekwondo - they do things like swimming, rock climbing, mountain climbing, and they go to bed at 7.30pm.

“If they had an extra 30 minutes of homework, that’s an extra stressor they don’t need.”

A teacher in class with students. Image: Roman Lacheev / Alamy Stock Photo

Irish Independent columnist Mary McCarthy said homework is a “vital part” of primary school education.

“I think the right kind of homework is really necessary, but it shouldn’t take over 30 minutes to do,” she said.

“It’s a no-brainer; it reinforces what they’ve learned that day and there’s loads of neuroscientific evidence for that.

“It encourages parents to start reading with their kids because you can get out of that habit after junior infants, and I just think so much good comes from it.

“I can’t understand why everyone gives out about it.”

Expectations

Ms McCarthy said it’s important to have expectations of children, “no matter what kind of home they come from.”

“If they’re not getting any support at home, how about the school doing a homework club or something like that,” she suggested.

“I’m lucky; I work from home, and I can be there for my kids and make that time to read to them.

“It’s often the schoolbook, but books can be great, and it could be about interesting things like growing vegetables or something I know nothing about.”

She added that reading with a child creates a “bond.”

You can listen back here:

Main image: A child distracted from doing his homework. Image: Rightdisc / Alamy Stock Photo