Experts warn against loading up next year’s year 12s with too much holiday homework

Schools are already loading up next year’s senior students with plenty of holiday homework in preparation – but experts aren’t convinced it’s a good idea.

Schools are loading up next year’s year 12s with holiday homework assignments, but experts warn against too much, saying students deserve their summer break.

As soon as the year 11 exams were over, some schools handed out course materials for the following year, including reading lists and details about assignments for 2022.

At St John’s Grammar in Belair, students were invited to meet their year 12 teachers and were set tasks such as revision of year 11 materials, memorising key facts and preparation for early 2022 tests.

But it’s not just the private schools, as public Marryatville High School did much the same to start preparing its class of 2022.

The chairwoman of the state’s Child Development Council, Dr Anne Glover, encouraged parents to find out how much work was required and talk to their child’s school if it seemed excessive.

She said spending time with friends, developing social skills, engaging in other activities and having a good rest with free time was equally important for wellbeing.

“If it’s only a small piece of work to keep the learning continuity, I can understand schools wanting to do that, but if it’s about preparation for next year I think that’s different and I would want to talk to the school,” she said.

“It would depend on how much it would affect your teenager’s daily life. If it meant a major commitment each day I would want to talk further with the school.”

The dog ate my holiday homework, sir. Picture: iStock

Association of Independent Schools of South Australia chief executive Carolyn Grantskalns said summer holiday assignments ensured students remained “academically fit”.

“But it is entirely an individual school decision,” she said.

Catholic Education SA deputy director John Mula said the summer holidays were primarily for relaxation and rest, especially after a challenging year of mask-wearing and other Covid restrictions.

“(Homework) would vary from school to school and might include some work on the (SACE) research project,” he said. “Many students also enjoy taking the opportunity to read texts in different subject areas over the summer in preparation for Year 12.”

So would she rather be out with her friends than doing holiday homework with her mum? Picture: Istock

The Education Department said public schools determined their own homework policies and it was “important for students to be able to work and learn independently”.

Westminster School has sent students their year 12 subject requirements and reading lists. Director of learning Andrea Sherwood said: “It’s all there if you want to get ahead, not ‘you must’,” she said.

“It is quite low-key, because we do believe that children deserve a break and a holiday.”