Homework is the bridge in the learning process between school and the home. As a school we are interested in having clear and effective guidelines for all of the participants in homework.
The Underlying Principles
Homework is an integral part of the learning process;
- Homework is an opportunity for students to consolidate their learning.
- It is also a time for students to share their learning with parents.
Students own the homework;
- Students are the learners and are therefore the people who do the homework.
No new learning should occur in homework;
The work set by the teacher should be:
- Completion of class work
- The reinforcement of concepts through reading and activities
- Practice of skills that have already been taught
- An extension of research taught and begun in the classroom
Homework must be balanced against all of the other factors impinging on a student’s life out of school.
Teachers and parents must remember that students have other interests and experiences beyond those identified in school. To deny that is to deny and devalue the learning a student can and does experience beyond school. Homework is not always the most important thing that a student should do out of school time. Therefore, there should not be a conflict between the demands of homework and the social, emotional and physical life of the child outside of school.
Homework Guidelines for each grade level
| Grade | Maximum time | Task |
| 1 | 20 minutes | Including foreign language, spent on homework completion per night |
| 2 | 20 to 30 minutes | Including foreign language, spent on homework completion per night |
| 3 | 30 to 45 minutes | Including foreign language, spent on homework completion per night |
| 4 | 45 to 60 minutes | Including foreign language, spent on homework completion per night |
| 5 | 60 minutes | Including foreign language, spent on homework completion per night |
Important:
- These are guidelines and homework time can vary from night to night.
- There is no homework assigned on the weekend or on school holidays
- Students are always encouraged to read, not just as part of their homework but for pleasure.
Student Responsibilities
When homework is set the student is expected to:
- Record that information accurately in a student planner.
- Complete the work to the best of his or her ability within the set amount of time.
- Hand in the homework on time.
- Inform the teacher of any factor that has prevented the homework being done (Verbal or written confirmation by the parent is necessary).
- Negotiate with the teacher ahead of time, if it is known that something will prevent the homework being done.
Teacher Responsibilities
Teachers are expected to:
- Explain the homework in such a way that all students understand the expectations
- Accurately and appropriately describe that homework
- Allow students time to record the homework in the Student Planner or Folder
- Monitor student completion of homework
- Mark and return homework as appropriate
- Contact the parent if homework is not being done
Parent Responsibilities
Parents are asked to:
- Allow the student time to do his or her homework
- Set up a quiet space at home that is conducive to doing homework
- Encourage the child to do homework
- Support the child in providing resources, advice and assistance with interpretation of information and instructions
- Inform the teacher if the child is consistently not doing homework
- Inform the school if the child is spending too much time on homework
Encourage reading, not as homework but as an enjoyable daily ritual.
