Whole School Policy on Homework
This policy reflects the School Mission Statement: To offer an excellent education that is relevant to the needs of our students
Rationale
Regular homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process and reinforces work done in class.
GOALS
- To promote development by students of good study habits and effective study skills
- To ensure consistent approaches to the setting and reviewing of homework across the school
- To enhance the academic achievement of students
- To encourage parents to take an interest in and to share responsibility for their children’s work and progress
POLICY CONTENT
- Each student will be assigned a minimum amount of homework each night
- A rough time guide will be suggested for each group
- Students will be given feedback on homework
- Special consideration will be given to students with special educational needs
- Sanctions may be imposed for non completion of homework
- Records of homework information will be kept by each teacher
- Parents are encouraged to check homework regularly and sign diaries
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Board of Management
- To ensure that the policy is developed and evaluated from time to time
- To approve the policy
- To consider reports from the Principal on the implementation of the policy
Principal, Deputy Principal and Year Heads
- To monitor the implementation of the policy
Subject Teachers
- To implement the policy, review homework assignments and provide feedback to students
- To keep records of homework set
- To instruct students in homework/study skills
Pastoral Care Personnel (Class Teachers, Guidance and SEN Personnel)
- To monitor the effects of the policy and to identify students experiencing difficulty
- To provide support and guidance, especially for those experiencing difficulty
- To liaise with subject teachers, especially in relation to consideration for students with special educational needs
Parents are encouraged
- To support school policy
- To provide suitable conditions for homework
- To ensure that the suggested amount of time is spent on homework
Students are required
- To do homework set, both oral/learning and written/practical
- To present written homework properly
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES:
- Each subject department will develop agreed guidelines on the amount of homework that is desirable for each year group
- Each subject department will develop guidelines on the homework/study skills appropriate for that subject
- The SEN department will advise on designing homework for students with special educational needs
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
- Good quality homework is being presented
- Parents and students are satisfied with the effectiveness of the policy
- The goals are being attained
MONITORING PROCEDURES:
- Class Teachers and Year Heads will communicate with subject teachers in order to monitor progress
- Subject departments will review implementation at least twice per year
- The Principal will report to the Board of Management at least once per year
REVIEW PROCEDURES:
- This policy will be reviewed after two years. The review team will comprise the Principal, Deputy Principal and Department Heads
- Views and experiences of teachers, students and parents will be sought in relation to the success criteria
- School records will be analysed to assess impact on student’s academic progress
- The progress of students with special educational needs will be given particular consideration
TIMEFRAME:
Date of next review : 2019 /2020