One topic not discussed here, is that the function of homework is not only to increase attainment in the topic. I work hard. I strongly believe my hard work is

One topic not discussed here, is that the function of homework is not only to increase attainment in the topic. I work hard. I strongly believe my hard work is a significant factor in my success. I didn't always work hard. In my GCSE exams (16 year olds UK Exams) I got a mixed bag of results, I didn't particularly work very hard. At AS level (17 year olds) I kind of realised that if I didn't start working hard I was not going to get good results. I started working seriously hard, particularly self-teaching the parts of my subjects that were particularly poorly taught by my school. I went on to get straight A grades (highest grade available at the time) in both my AS levels, A levels, and a first class masters degree from a top university. The role of homework can be to teach children the value of hard work and to teach them the skills and habits that are needed to be successful adults, that is more about culture than what grade you actually got in your middle-school algebra class. These skills and attitudes are also very difficult to pick up later in life.