I disagree on the positive effects being mythical.

In the run-up to an examination, doing past papers as homework away from the class, researching the answers, bringing the paper to class to discuss - so, so useful. Using selected past paper questions after a class revision session shows how much has gone in during the lesson and what else needs to be covered. And it can mean 1-2 grades difference. Trust me - I see the children who do the homework get the grades.

DS has homework and he's 6. He has spellings to learn and books to read. He likes reading books with me. He learns a lot from it. We see the bonus in reading together as he tackles harder and harder books. The one-to-one doesn't happen as much in the school room. Yes, sometimes he's tired and "can't" do it: I read the book to him. It's about enjoyment at his age. He still learns from being read to.

And learning spellings? Weesh. Tell me that isn't needed, go on, I dare you. We're on the internet. It would take me five seconds to disprove anyone who disagreed with me.