Homework Guidelines

Background and Definitions
Homework refers to assignments that students are required by the teacher to complete outside of curriculum time.

It is a key component of teaching and learning in school.

Objectives
The objectives of homework are to:

allow for additional practice, extension and consolidation of classroom work;
provide training for students in time management;
develop process skills in identifying and using information resources;
establish habits of systematic study, concentration and self-discipline;
reaffirm role of parents as partners in education; and
provide information about the progress of students.

General Considerations
The benefits of homework are optimum when

suitable amount of homework is set and pitched at the capabilities of students
it is set on a regular basis and establishes a routine of study at home
it is well-coordinated and teacher expectations are well communicated
students take responsibility for their homework, supported by parents
feedback and follow up are provided promptly and accurately to students

Types of Homework
The amount of time that students are expected to spend on homework should take into account the stream, capability, and co-curricular commitments of the student.

The 3 main types of homework are:

preparatory work to link anticipated learning with past learning
practice exercises for mastery learning of content and process skills
extension assignments to develop 21CC skills

Detailed Considerations

Quantity of Homework
The quantity of homework takes into consideration the following:

age of student
competing demands for students’ time, e.g. CCA, competitions, enrichment, tests and exams;
students’ need for family time and leisure activities.

Quality of Homework
More than the quantity of homework, teachers ensure that the quality of homework set and feedback given is designed to elicit optimum learning by students.

Homework that is assigned:

has clear objectives;
comes with clear instructions;
is within students’ capability;
is customized to meet students’ learning needs; and
meets intended learning outcomes.

Feedback for Homework
All homework should be submitted promptly for marking. There will be appropriate follow-up actions by the teacher, for submission and non-submission of homework.

Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
The roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders are:

IP HODs

To liaise with other IP HODs to regulate the quantity of homework;
To communicate and implement homework policy, and align with department schemes of work;
To monitor homework (quantity, quality, marking by teacher) in the department;
To intervene with teachers and students, if necessary.

Year Heads

To monitor the quantity of homework for the cohort;
To provide feedback to IP HODs;
To intervene with students, if necessary.

Teachers

To design and assign homework to achieve intended learning outcomes, in line with department scheme of work and school homework policy;
To ensure homework is collected, with prompt and accurate feedback given to students;
To give praise and incentives to encourage completion of homework;
To follow-up with IP HODs on non-submission of homework, after 1 warning given to a student.

Parents

To provide a quiet homework environment and set aside a time everyday when homework should be done.
To encourage, monitor and affirm the child when homework is done.
To contact the Form Teacher if the child continually is unable to complete the homework assigned.

FAQs

Why do students have to do homework?
Homework is important because it helps to reinforce what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits.

When will homework be assigned?

Homework guidelines will be made available in the Student Handbook.
Homework will be assigned according to the department schedules.
Students are expected to write all homework assignments and due dates in their Personal Diary.
The Class Academic Monitor will update all homework assignments and due dates in the class diary on the class whiteboard (Homework Noticeboard).
Departments will work as a school to space the assignments over the week.
At the same time, students should take the responsibility to plan over the week so that there will not be a last minute rush to complete assignments.

What are students’ homework responsibilities?

Students should do their best for each homework assignment.
Homework should be carefully done.
All written work must be completed in ink (blue or black) or be computer generated.
Homework should be completely finished and submitted by the due date.

What are teachers’ homework responsibilities?

Teachers will check all homework assignments and keep a record of submissions in a grade book.
Teachers will give prompt and accurate feedback to students.
Teachers will encourage good homework habits by giving praise and other incentives.

What are parents’ homework responsibilities?

Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Parents can support their children by doing the following:
Provide a quiet homework environment and set aside a time everyday when homework should be done.
Do not allow your child to avoid doing homework.
Do contact the Form Teacher if you notice a problem.