PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Preamble:

Regular homework, which extends students learning, is an integral part of our Studies Program. Homework assignments vary according to class, and are designed to challenge students; teaching them to apply concepts they have learned in their classrooms. Homework assignments are reviewed by teachers who then provide feedback to the students. These assignments encourage students to think about their learnings and to communicate these thoughts to their parents. The responsibility for homework is shared between students, parents and teachers, with students accepting increasing responsibility as they progress through the year levels.

• We believe that homework should:
• be a balance of assigned work, unfinished work and long term assignments;
• include a variety of subject areas;
• provide parents with insight and information into what the child is learning;
• encourage organisation of time and independent work habits;
• reinforce and strengthen concepts taught in class;
• develop independent study habits;
• be clearly outlined and
• provide a positive addition to the school program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students: Be responsible for your own learning by:

• entering homework set in your Study Diary;
• knowing how to complete homework assignment before leaving school;
• completing the assigned work to the best of your ability;
• meeting time lines for homework completion;
• developing a homework routine;
• locating appropriate resources and materials; and asking for assistance as necessary.

Parents: Assist your child by:

• providing a quiet place to work;
• establishing a routine time;
• having necessary materials and resources available;
• providing support;
• encouraging effort, achievement and a positive attitude; and supervising if necessary;
• contacting teachers if assignments seem to be causing problems for your child;
• not completing student's work (doing homework is the student's task).

Teachers: Support the students and parents by:

• coordinating a well balanced amount and variety of homework;
• providing relevant assignments based on the ability and needs of the student;
• providing consistent follow-up to assigned homework;
• providing clear guidelines and expectations;
• taking into consideration individual and family strengths and needs;
• liaising with specialist/class teachers to ensure time limits and frequency of homework are respected;
• encouraging participation in broader leaning experiences related to the program;
• providing information regarding in-school learning experiences.

STUDENT STUDY HABITS

Suggested average times for homework/study/reading per night are as follows:

Students are expected to complete 4 nights plus weekend work to meet these suggested times. Primary students would be excepted from the weekend expectation.

To assist you to achieve your potential also follow these guidelines:

• be fit and take regular exercise (Keep regular hours of sleep.);
• study in a suitable environment (Away from voices, radio, T.V. etc.);
• set aside a certain daily period of time (at least on week days), and stick to it (Inform friends and members of the family and seek their cooperation in keeping you 'on target'.);
• work out a timetable for each session (The amount of weekly time spent on a subject should be proportional to the classroom time allocated to it. Tackle the difficult subjects second-up at each session. Keep easy subjects for the beginning and the end as inducements to commence and to maintain a sustained effort. Be prepared to revise the timetable in the light of experience.);
• sit up at a table using a chair with a straight back;
• clear the working space of unnecessary material (Keep some note paper handy.)
• ensure good lighting and ventilation (Preferable the whole room should be well lit. Avoid glare from an unshaded lamp in front.).