Homework Policy

 

Definition of Homework

Homework is an extension of and a supplement to class work which has to be completed and/or learnt by learners outside the classroom. It should reinforce, complement or extend work done in class.

Unfinished class work, notes and activities should be done at home.

Reviewing and revising of each day’s lessons should be done before the next lesson and notes made of any work not understood, or questions to be asked.

Thorough learning of the designated work for class or cycle tests, and formal assessment. Summaries of work to be learnt should be made beforehand and learning done at the same time as current work is being reviewed.

Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills for example learners who have just learnt new material could be given sample exercises to complete on their own.

Preparation assignments could help learners get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom. For example they may be required to do background research on a topic to be discussed later in class. This may be done at home or in the school computer centre/library.

Extension assignments are frequently long-term, large-scale projects and assignments that parallel class work.

Additional reading for relaxation should be done by every learner every day. This is necessary to develop vocabulary, increase reading speed and improve language skills. We need to inculcate a culture of reading amongst our learners.

Purpose of Homework

Assigning homework serves various educational needs. It serves as an intellectual discipline; establishes study habits; eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class; and supplements and reinforces work done at school.

The purpose of homework is thus, that learners should get the opportunity to inculcate further, through independent effort and as their own responsibility, that which has already been taught or practiced under staff supervision. In addition, homework fosters initiative, independence and responsibility, and brings the home and school closer together.

 

Objectives of Homework

  • Gives the opportunity to undertake schoolwork independently and under own conditions
  • Provides an opportunity for independent acquisition of knowledge and skills
  • Provides additional practice, increasing the amount of time learners are actively engaged in learning
  • Allows teachers an opportunity for monitoring progress and diagnosing learning problems
  • Facilitates more rapid movement through the curriculum
  • Increases communication between parents and school
  • Contributes to the parents’ understanding that the school holds high expectations of pupils.

Time Management

Learners who manage their time well generally do not have to spend excessive amounts of time on the completion of homework. Generally the productive use of time in class ensures less homework. Projects should be started as soon as they are given and not left to the last minute. No learner should be working late at night. As a general guide, a grade 12 learner should be doing no more than 12 hours of homework per week for all subjects, excluding preparation time for tests. Learners in the lower grades should be doing proportionately less homework.

It is important to ensure that work is only handed to the subject teacher to prevent it going missing. Portfolio work that is handed in late will be penalised according to the school policy. CASS work handed in late will be given 0.

Homework Disciplinary Procedure

Subject teachers will normally record if homework is neglected. Learners may be punished at the teacher’s discretion. Learners who repeatedly neglect to do homework will be reported to the Grade Tutor. They are, then, issued with demerits and put on detention. Parents are notified telephonically.