Homework Policy

Creating the Policy

The homework policy was created in accordance with Our Lady’s Vision Statement.

Definition

 In a school context, homework, from an educational perspective, means work given by a teacher to a student or a class that will engage a student in an activity, which could involve reading or writing certain material, or a combination of both. The reading of material may involve reading for a specific purpose so as to glean information from the piece, relevant to the coursework currently being undertaken in class. It may also involve reading with a view to improving reading skills. Reading as homework may be given as a relaxing exercise. A written homework, including mathematics, or any activity that will involve the use of pens, pencils, colouring pencils, etc is a piece of work given to a student/class that will involve the student/class presenting a visual piece of work for a teacher that the teacher can mark. A mark is defined as a verbal remark, a written comment, grade or tick on the work. The work may also be initialled by the teacher, and a note taken of the date.

 This homework is given to supplement what is currently being covered in the teachers’ class, and may involve recollection of data covered in class, or creation of a piece of work based on guidelines by the teacher. It will involve a student physically presenting the work, normally to be done at home, to the teacher on a specific date.

Homework Policy Statement

  Our Lady’s Secondary School believes that homework plays a pivotal role in the provision of a successful educational experience. The self-discipline required to complete a homework task should be fostered from the beginning of first year as it is vital at later stages of secondary education and after. Student journals should contain all work to be carried out at home and correct use of them leads to vastly improved time management and organisational skills. These journals provide a link between parents/guardians and teachers and this correspondence via the journal  is very important. Not only does homework lead to pupil independence but it also reinforces the practice of skills learned in class. Alternative materials and sources of information, not always available in the classroom, may be utilised at home and parents/guardians may become involved in certain projects. Homework also benefits the teacher as he/she can readily access the progress of each individual student and recognise potential problems early.

Homework Aims

·         To reinforce work carried out in the classroom while it is still fresh in students’ minds and therefore more likely to retain the information.

·         To encourage learning in many different situations, thereby enhancing the educational experience.

·         To foster self-discipline and self-motivation in the student, which will be beneficial throughout his/her school career.

·         To create a meaningful link between management, teachers, parents and students, through journal correspondence.

·         To develop an understanding of journal entry, reminders, deadlines, and time management, therefore increasing organisational skills.

Homework Objectives

·         Each subject teacher will set homework regularly. The nature of the work will vary between year groups, different classes, and topics of study.

·         Teachers will ensure that all instructions concerning homework are clear to everyone in the class and sufficient time is allowed for the student to write down the homework in his/her journal.

·         Teachers and Year Heads will check that pupils are recording homework correctly.

·         Work will be marked and pupils will be provided with feedback in a way that facilitates ongoing improvement and learning, and acknowledges achievements made.

Recommendations

·         experiencing difficulty with the subject area or is experiencing other difficulties. If these difficulties persist the issue should be referred to the pastoral care team or resource department as appropriate.

·         It is recommended that a policy of positive affirmation is fostered in the classroom. Students should receive praise for achievements made.

·         Assessment for learning should be used in conjunction with assessment of learning.

Guidance for Parents/Guardians

 Homework is an integral part of school life, and in today’s hectic lifestyle, must be included in a daily routine. As parents/guardians, you play an important role in creating an environment where your son/daughter can complete all homework tasks effectively.

Routine

Setting up a homework routine will help train your son/daughter to view homework as a daily and necessary exercise.

Atmosphere

 It is of paramount importance that the correct atmosphere is created for homework. A place without distractions should be used. Television, computer games and such activities should only be permitted when homework has been completed. Ensure others in the household respect the efforts of your child in doing his/her homework.

Provide a well ventilated room, with good lighting, a desk/table without clutter, and a comfortable chair.

Diet

A good diet, including plenty of water, is essential to maintain and sustain his/her hydration and concentration.

Communication and Listening

 Homework for students of all ages is very important. Talk to your son/daughter about the subjects they like and try, if possible, to steer them away from negative thoughts on the subjects they may not like. Listen to your son/daughter, and let them know you understand. Look at their homework, and display an interest in their activities. If your son/daughter is showing signs of stress, or is struggling with his/her homework, enquire how you may help him/her.

Ensure the school journal is signed weekly, and is checked for communications from teachers.

Guidance for students

·         Students must record all homework.

·         Students must carry out all homework.

·         Extra- curricular - if the student is involved in extra- curricular activities, it is the responsibility of the student to be informed of any homework they miss.

·         The student should seek clarification from the teacher on any aspect of their homework of which they are unsure.

·         Students must make sure their homework is completed and available for correction at the allocated time.

Procedures on non-presentation of Homework

·         It is the responsibility of all students to record homework for all subjects in his/her school journal.

·         If a student fails to present his/her homework in class, the teacher may record non-presentation of same in the journal.

·         It is recommended that all teachers keep a record of homework presented/not presented in the teacher’s journal.

·         A student that has a valid reason for non-completion of homework must have an explanatory note from a parent/guardian dated and signed in his/her journal. The student must show the note to all relevant teachers.

·         Persistent non-presentation of homework will be brought to the attention of the Year Head, in written report form, to allow the situation to be further investigated.

·         Teachers who notice students copying homework in their class should bring this to the attention of the relevant teacher.

·         Sanctions for non presentation of homework will be at the discretion of the individual class teacher and in accordance with school policy.

Signed: Sr Columba Gargan(Chairperson B.O.M.)  DateNov 8^th 2010

Date of Review: May 31^st 2013

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The Homework Policy was created following the ‘Model for Policy Formation’ document from the School Development and Planning guidelines. 

A series of 4 meetings took place.

Students, parents and teachers were consulted via a questionnaire.

Committee Recommendations

The committee recommend that all teachers examine each case individually where a student fails to present homework. If a teacher suspects that there is an underlying problem, they are advised to contact the relevant Year Head. It may be the case that a student is experiencing difficulty with the subject area or is experiencing other difficulties.

The committee recommend that a policy of positive affirmation is fostered in the classroom. Students should receive praise for achievements made.

Assessment for learning should be used in conjunction with assessment of learning.

New teachers should familiarise themselves with the homework policy and procedures.

A definition

In a school context, homework, from an educational perspective, means work given by a teacher to a student or a class that will engage a student in an activity, which could involve reading or writing certain material, or a combination of both. The reading of material may involve reading for a specific purpose so as to glean information from the piece, relevant to the coursework currently being undertaken in class. It may also involve reading with a view to improving reading skills. Reading as homework may be given as a relaxing exercise. A written homework, including mathematics, or any activity that will involve the use of pens, pencils, colouring pencils, etc is a piece of work given to a student/class that will involve the student/class presenting a visual piece of work for a teacher that the teacher can mark. A mark is defined as a verbal remark, a written comment, grade or tick on the work. The work may also be initialled by the teacher, and a note taken of the date.

This homework is given as a response to something that is currently being covered in the teachers’ class, and may involve recollection of data covered in class, or creation of a piece of work based on guidelines by the teacher. It will involve a student physically presenting the work, normally to be done at home, to the teacher on a specific date.

Homework Policy Statement

In order to provide a full and rounded education, learning should take place in more than one situation to cater for all types of education. Our Lady’s Secondary School believes that homework plays a pivotal role in the provision of a successful educational experience as it allows the student to work in a quiet atmosphere with none of the distractions that may occur in the classroom. The self-discipline required to complete a homework task should be fostered from the beginning of first year, as it is vital at later stages of secondary education and after. Student journals should contain all work to be carried out at home and correct use of them leads to vastly improved time management and organisational skills. These journals provide a link between parents/guardians and teachers and this journal correspondence between the two parties is very important. Not only does homework lead to pupil independence but it also reinforces the practice of skills learned in class, which allows topics to be covered more thoroughly and at a faster pace. Alternative materials and sources of information, not always available in the classroom, may be utilised at home and parents/guardians may become involved in certain projects. Homework also benefits the teacher as he/she can readily access the progress of each individual student and recognise potential problems early. Examinations results are improved upon with the inclusion of homework, which is set out and corrected regularly.

Learning is strongly reinforced when pupils review what was learned during the school day.

Homework Aims

·         To reinforce work carried out in the classroom while it is still fresh in students’ minds and therefore more likely to retain the information.

·         To encourage learning in many different situations, thereby enhancing the educational experience.

·         To foster self-discipline, interdependence and self-motivation in the student, which will be beneficial throughout his/her school career.

·         To create a meaningful link between management, teachers, parents and students, through journal correspondence.

·         To develop an understanding of journal entry, reminders, deadlines, and time management, therefore increasing organisational skills.

·         To allow students to develop at a faster and more thorough rate.

·         To promote a framework for an agree approach to homework across all classes within the school.

Homework Objectives

·         Each subject teacher will set homework regularly. The nature of the work will vary between year groups, different classes, and topics of study.

·    Teachers will ensure that all instructions concerning homework are clear to everyone in the class and sufficient time is allowed for the student to write down the homework in his/her journal.

·    Teachers and Year Heads will check that pupils are recording homework correctly.

·    Work will be marked and pupils will be provided with feedback in a way that facilitates ongoing improvement and learning, and acknowledges achievements made.