Homework

The role of homework and home study

Homework and home study are designed to extend the learning and application of skills and concepts taught in the classroom. Students’ management of their homework and home study program is reported on by each subject teacher in the formal reports issued to parents in June and December.

The major purposes of a homework and home study program are to:

• extend the time available for learning and give students an opportunity to improve their understanding
• encourage goal-setting, self-discipline, initiative and the development of independent learning skills
• promote organisational skills and an awareness of the need to meet deadlines
• enable parents to become familiar with specific areas of the school curriculum

Responsibilities of students

Students are expected to complete homework and home study on a regular basis. It is expected that:

• all set homework is recorded in the Student Study Planner
• work is completed on time to a high, realistic standard that matches a student’s ability
• students will communicate with their teachers and parents when help is needed

Nature of homework and home study tasks

Homework and study tasks will vary and may include:

• completion of tasks set in class
• organisation of written notes, work folios and materials
• revision of the day’s work
• further practice in text book problems
• assignment work (for example, research on an assignment topic) which is pre-planned and designed to build a range of skills, including research and organisational skills
• reading, including set texts, wide reading and reference books
• revision and other study in preparation for tests and examinations, sometimes involving making appropriate summaries

Time allocation

The appropriate time allocation varies with the year level and the time of the year. In general, it is expected that students should set aside homework and home study time as follows:

These times are only a guide. Well-organised students may complete tasks in less time than suggested. It is neither desirable nor healthy for students to spend an excessive amount of time on homework. Where there is a sustained practice of excessive homework, students and parents should discuss and establish more efficient time-management practices. These practices could include: appropriate use of the Student Study Planner, use of a Year Planner, or establishing and adhering to a regular study routine. Where additional support or guidance might assist in managing homework and home study, students and parents are invited to consult teachers, a Year Level Coordinator, Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Student Counsellor, Chaplain, Youth Worker or Head of the Sub-School.

Homework and home study: the role of parents

Homework is an area of learning in which parents play a vital role.

Parents can help greatly by providing praise and encouragement, and through communicating high, realistic expectations about the quality of student work. Parent support is also valuable in the following ways:

• providing suitable conditions for work
• taking an active interest in the work set
• checking that work set is actually completed
• encouraging reading
• restricting and monitoring television, mobile phone and computer usage
• assisting students to organise a program of study
• promptly advising the Level Coordinator if problems emerge