Homework Policy

20/01/2011

DEFINITION

Homework is an extension and a supplement of class work which has to be completed and/or learnt by boys outside the classroom. There are three types of homework: practice, preparation, and extension.

Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. For example, boys who have just learned a new method of solving a mathematical problem should be given sample problems to complete on their own.

Preparation assignments help boys get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom. Boys may, for example. be required to do background research on a topic to be discussed later in class.

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

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 in school. The purpose of homework is thus that boys should get the opportunity to inculcate further, through independent effort and as his own responsibility, that which has already been taught or practised under staff supervision. In addition, homework fosters a boy’s initiative, independence and responsibility and brings the home and school closer together.

OBJECTIVES

The following are the most important objectives of homework:

• To give boys the opportunity to undertake schoolwork independently and under own conditions.
• To provide an opportunity for independent acquiring of knowledge and mastering of skills.
• To provide additional practice, increasing the amount of time boys are actively engaged in learning
• To allow teachers an opportunity for monitoring boys’ progress and diagnosing learning problems.
• To increase boys' independence. personal responsibility and individual accountability.
• To facilitate more rapid movement through the curriculum
• To increase communications between parents and the schools
• To contribute to boys' and parents' understanding that the school holds high expectations of boys.

THE TEACHER AND HOMEWORK

Giving homework on a regular basis will increase achievement and improve attitudes toward learning.
Homework assignments must supplement the classwork in a sensible manner and must therefore be based on work which the boy understands. It should arouse interest and stimulate thought.

Obviously the work should not be beyond the capabilities of the weaker and yet not too easy for the
intelligent boys. Work which is too difficult causes the conscientious boy unnecessary anxiety and
frustration; while work which is too easy bores the intelligent boy. It should thus at all times be a challenge to his skill. his thinking and his comprehension. Assignments should thus be differentiated to allow for divergent capabilities and circumstances.

Homework must be routinely controlled. collected and/or assessed. Homework should be reviewed during class time. There should be a healthy spirit of whole-hearted co-operation among pupils mutually and with the teacher as the leader of the group and an active interest in the homework assignment which should be undertaken as a VOLUNTARY TASK based on positive motivation.

Homework assignments should be specific so that there can be no misunderstanding. This presupposes
that homework should be as carefully planned beforehand as any other lesson. which will make the homework assignment a goal-directed activity for boys.

GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS

Teachers should NEVER:

• Fail to assign needed homework when, in their judgment, homework is required to accomplish academic goals and objectives.
• Use homework as a disciplinary tool or "no homework" as a reward.
• Overburden the gifted boy with an unreasonable amount of homework.
• Give the same kind of work too often.
• Forget that theirs is not the only subject and that other teachers also give homework.
• Give homework in a haphazard way.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUBJECT TEACHER

• Homework must be given regularly and CONTROLLED regularly.
• When homework is handed in for assessment purposes. such homework should be returned to boys within two weeks of being handed in.
• The purpose and nature of every homework assignment should be clear. Give clear instructions and be sure boys understand and know how to complete the task/s
• Provide specific written explanations for long-range, large-scale assignments/projects so that the requirements and expectations are clearly understood by the pupils and their parents.
• Set homework as preparation for the next lesson and as a supplement to work previously dealt with.
• Co-ordinate large homework assignments with other teachers so that no pupil receives excessive assignments on a single night. Care should also be taken to prevent anyone subject from dominating boys’ homework time.
• Flexibility is important when teachers become aware of homework overload.
• Avoid routine assignments over weekends, midterm breaks and holiday time.
• Vary homework assignments: short-term and long-term assignments; practice of new skills; written or oral reports; preparation for new lessons; research projects; enrichment exercises; assignments to spur creativity; etc.
• Be clear on how homework assignments are tied to assessment.
• Define "late" and consequences for lateness, and clearly communicate both to boys.
• Have boys record homework or hand out written homework instructions rather than relying only on communicating assignments orally.
• Do not accept incomplete homework: return it to boys for completion and enforce appropriate, announced consequences.
• Assess homework quickly and routinely so each boy will be aware of individual progress: without feedback. homework may result in repetition of errors.
• Contact parents early if a boy begins to develop a pattern of late or incomplete work.

SUGGESTED TIME ALLOCATIONS

The suggested time allocations do not include time set aside for studying purposes. Obviously during examinations periods pupils should use all available time for studying. The issuing of homework must cease one week prior to the commencement of any exam session.

Should boys and/or parents become concerned about “homework overload”, these concerns must be addressed to the appropriate Year Head.

HOMEWORK NOT DONE - PROCEDURE

• Teachers will normally give boys an entry if homework is neglected.
• Boys may be placed on detention by a Subject Teacher or Year Head for homework that is repeatedly neglected.
• Where homework is submitted for Assessment purposes, a penalty of 10% of the overall mark will be imposed for each day that a task is late.

THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS

Both the parents and the teacher are jointly responsible for effective homework. For this reason, close co-operation between the school, parents and boys is of great importance. As the execution of homework assignments affects the home very closely with regard to time and working space, it is desirable that school and home should co-operate in this to ensure mutual understanding and respect. The educational value of homework is to a large extent nullified if there is a poor understanding between teacher and parent. It is therefore, desirable that the following information be brought to the notice of the parents:

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

• Send your children to school each day, well-rested, fed, and with a positive outlook.
• Take an active interest in your son’s schooling. Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your son feels about it.
• Try not to let any of your own negative experiences keep you from supporting and encouraging your son's learning. Let him know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning both informally and formally, to impress its importance upon him.
• Where possible a quiet and suitable place should be set aside in the home where your son can do his homework undisturbed.
• Provide your son with all the necessary tools (e.g. stationery, access to libraries etc.) to complete the homework assignments.
• Have your son organize his school materials: study notes, assignments. books. papers, etc.
• Have your son make a daily list of homework assignments so parent and pupil can both monitor progress on work.
• It must be emphasised that the purpose of homework is totally defeated if parents do their son's homework or give too much help.
• Monitor television viewing and leisure time and establish a specific homework time.
• Set a regular time each day that is not to be interrupted by family plans, school activities or television.
• Ask to look at homework once it has been marked and returned.
• Often when asked if they have homework, your son will say that it's completed or that no homework was issued. If you are confident that this is indeed the case, encourage your son to use the available time for studying purposes. Make studying - not just homework - a daily habit. Pupils can always review lessons, read a book, or work on practice exercises during quiet time, even if they don't have homework. Ask son child to show you his homework/books so that you can check it, sign it, and date it. Teachers like to see that parents have checked children's homework.
• If you, as a parent, are concerned about any aspect of homework, please contact the relevant Year Head.

GUIDELINES FOR BOYS

• Homework is an important part of your work. It gives you an opportunity to work independently, to research and to carry out specific tasks and complete work started in class.
• You will only do your homework successfully if you know exactly what it is you have to do. Record homework when it is issued and make sure you copy accurately the homework details and the date the work is due to be handed in.
• Do your best with each piece of work.
• If you find some of the homework too difficult, try to obtain help - from your teacher, your friends or your parents. Remember, asking for assistance does not mean that your friend does your work for you or that you copy your friend’s work.
• Failure to complete homework on time is likely to result in detention and/or extra work being set. If this happens more than very occasionally your parents will be informed.
• In addition to homework, set aside a regular time for studying in preparation for upcoming tests and examinations.
• The "doing" of homework needs to be planned. In the case of tasks which are due the following week or perhaps in several weeks time, you can easily forget to do homework if it is put off. The other danger is that larger tasks cannot be completed satisfactorily in one session on the night before they are due: To overcome these difficulties, enter homework tasks in pencil onto a "Homework Planner". Larger tasks and assignments should be divided into sections and spread evenly over the time allocated and not be left to the last minute. This will also allow you to plan around other extra-curricula activities you are involved in: such as sport, socials and/or your favourite television programmes.