GYMEA Bay Public School has been asking parents about how to improve homework so it suits all children's needs.
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After a P & C meeting last year, parents were surveyed this term about their attitudes towards homework.
They were also asked what they thought were reasonable tasks, and how much homework was enough.
In NSW schools can decide and regularly review their own homework policies.
Unlike other states, there is no recommended time allocation for homework.
Gymea Bay Public is drafting a policy to give parents a voice in how their children learn after school hours.
The policy will link to the state government's plan to encourage greater community collaboration with schools and communities.
The Sutherland Shire primary school's recent survey revealed parents were in support of changing the way homework was delivered.
Principal Ray Pooley said most parents wanted a restructure, not an abolition of homework.
"We has the best response to this survey than any other one we'd done before, with more than 300 families responding," Mr Pooley said.
"The majority of parents want it continued, but aren't happy with the current format."
Almost half of the parents surveyed wanted more flexibility.
"Traditionally homework was given on a Monday and collected on Friday, but lifestyles are changing," Mr Pooley said.
"One of the most successful approaches was to have a whole-week turnaround for tasks.
He said most children "had a crack" at homework; others struggled.
"Research shows the right homework can aid in academic work but poorly structured homework can have the opposite effect," he said.
"We've done this survey so we can use it as a guide. We hope to formulate a policy that reflect the times, and incorporates an input from the community.
"We may also survey the children — they are fantastic in their honesty, and they could give us some valuable information."
P&C president Jenny Ware supported the homework policy changes, which she said drew varied views.
"Some want their children to do more because they see benefits, but others are opposed," Ms Ware said.
"For single parent and working households, it's extraordinarily difficult for some children.
"There isn't a utopia where everyone gets home at 3.30pm, has a home-baked muffin and sits down for an hour to do homework.
"It's finding the time. Parents are getting home late, or the level is too hard, which creates extra stresses for families nagging children to do homework.
"Or it's competing with other things like sport and music."
Parents wanted greater consistency.
"Because we are such a big school, we would like teachers to all have the same expectations," Ms Ware said.
"Some parents think reading should be treated as a separate, everyday activity.
"We want the best education for our kids, so it's been good that the school has let us be involved in having an opportunity to be heard," Ms Ware said.
Do you think the approach to homework needs to be refreshed in primary schools?
