Davis College Homework Policy 2008

 

Introduction:

 

We believe that homework plays an integral part in the curriculum of Davis College and is indispensable to personal and academic achievement. We are always conscious of our motto, “Educate that you may be free”.

 

 

Rationale:

 

Ø  To promote positive home-school communication

Ø  To re-enforce material that was learned in class

Ø  To foster knowledge, understanding and skills in our students

Ø  To develop good habits and self-discipline.

 

 

Aims:

 

Ø  That homework is seen as a valuable tool in aiding teaching and learning

Ø  To assess students’ progress effectively

Ø  To encourage students to become independent learners in order for them to take ownership of their academic progress

Ø  To raise the achievement levels of all students

Ø  To promote a unified and consistent approach to homework throughout the whole school community.

 

 

Assigning homework:

 

Content:

 

Homework may consist of the following: reading, written work, investigation, designing, researching, learning, project-work, revision, gathering data, drawing, vocabulary, experiments, & media knowledge.

 

 

Special Educational Needs:

 

Students with S.E.N. and a psychological report must be accommodated, within reason, for all subject options available in Davis College.

 

 

 

 

 

Time Allocations:

 

The following guidelines may be useful in providing a general framework:

 

1st year

1- 1.5 hours

2nd year

1 – 2 hours

3rd year

2 – 3 hours

Transition Year

Varies

5th year

2 – 3 hours

6th year

3 – 4 hours

 

 

 

Homework Journal:

 

Every student has a Davis College journal as part of their core books. The journal is used to communicate relevant information from school to home and vice versa. It is thus the primary means of recording homework and documenting projects.

 

 

Absence:

 

Each student must assume responsibility for getting their homework and catching up after an absence. This also applies to students who missed class due to matches, trips away etc. The subject teacher will agree to check this homework at the next convenient opportunity.

 

 

General:

 

The school offers a Homework Club, After-School Study and an Early Morning Club to aid students in completing their homework. All students are taught Study Skills to assist them with their Homework and learning.

 

 

Parent/Guardian Guidelines:

 

During the school year 2007/2008, a random Sample of 20 parents were surveyed on their views regarding Homework. A main finding from this was that parents feel students need to be rewarded for consistent homework as well as sanctioned for homework not done. A merit system for 1st years reflects this.

 

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for parents:

 

Ø  Students need a desk, adequate lighting & ventilation in a quiet environment with minimum distractions to study effectively

Ø  Parents should monitor homework daily and sign the journal weekly

Ø  Check homework presentation, spelling etc. but do not do the homework for your son/daughter

Ø  Talk to your son/daughter about their homework and encourage them to talk to their teachers if they have difficulty

Ø  Also, feel free to contact the school regarding any difficulty

Ø  The school has an intercultural officer, Home-School-Community Liaison Officer, School Completion Officer, and Guidance Counsellor to help in these matters

Ø  In the formation of individual Education Plans, parents are consulted from the onset.

 

 

Student Guidelines:

 

Ø  Record all homework daily in the school journal

Ø  It is the student’s own responsibility to complete homework regardless of any other extra-curricular activities

Ø  Consult with subject teacher if any difficulties arise regarding homework but always attempt the task

Ø  Students must keep up-to-date with homework even after an absence.

 

 

Success Criteria:

 

The Homework Policy was reviewed this year 2007/2008. Some changes have resulted and the review of the homework policy will be ongoing:

 

Ø  The class teacher monitors progress weekly

Ø  The year head monitors homework on an ongoing basis

Ø  At staff meetings, homework is always on the agenda to improve teaching and learning at Davis College

Ø  Review is ongoing and best practice e.g. AFL is encouraged.

 

 

Implementation Date:

 

September 2008

 

Timetable for Review:

 

Review is ongoing and a priority at every Staff meeting.

Ratification:

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________

 

Presented to ___________________________________ on _______________________

 

Ratified by ________________________________ on behalf of ___________________