Policy Statement:
Regular homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process and contributes to the development of sound study habits.
Guidelines:
- Homework consists of a variety of activities including: preparation for practical lessons, assignments, review of class work, reading text and reference books, revision, memorising information, and tasks set by the teacher for the next lesson.
- While the amount of homework will vary according to age and learning needs, every child will be assigned homework.
- Teachers will be responsible for reviewing the homework of each student.
- The successful application of the policy relies on the combined efforts of student, parents and teacher.
- Learning and study strategies useful to work in a faculty will be taught in that faculty and used as homework activities.
- Homework is a means of enabling students to develop sound work habits. It will therefore be more closely monitored in the junior school as these habits are developed. Students in the senior school will be expected to take ultimate responsibility for their own learning.
Procedures:
- Each faculty will determine the general practice for homework in subjects associated with the faculty during planning meetings for the start of a year.
- In accordance with the general practice in the faculty, each teacher will manage the manner in which homework is reviewed, so as to be able to provide parents/guardians with feedback regarding their individual student.
Approximate Time for the Average Student:
Students studying a Level 1 subject should be doing homework for a minimum of 10-15 minutes per night for each subject - this equates to 60 – 90 minutes per subject per week. Year 8 students surveyed during May 1996 indicated that they spent on average approximately 60 minutes on homework each night.
This should increase to a stage in level 4 and 5 subjects where students are spending a minimum of 30 minutes per night doing homework per subject.
Parent / Caregiver Strategies:
The best environment for encouraging student learning occurs when parents and teachers are able to work in partnership.
The following strategies can be employed to encourage your student(s):
- request that your student(s) show you what work has been done in class; what notes have been taken; what handouts have been given; what worksheets have been given; what chapter of the text they are working on; what exercises (problems) have been set;
- check where they write down their homework, assignment dates, all students are issued with a diary;
- assist in setting up a wall planner which takes into account all subjects, homework tasks including assignment due dates, other commitments and parent birthdays;
- have them read their textbooks and other books associated with what is being done in class; and
- have them prepare to complete assignments well in advance, all assignments/projects are given to students well in advance of due dates.
Part-Time Work
Students who have part-time jobs should ensure that a balance is arrived at, where time is available not only for part-time work (if warranted) but study, sport, religious, family and social activities.
From experience at this school, students who have extensive work commitments have little chance of academic success.
Students have ultimate responsibility for their own learning. Teachers and parents have an important role in fostering the development of self motivation and learning.
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Curriculum 
