Homework Policy

St Aidan’s Community College Homework Policy:

Homework is an essential part of the school curriculum requiring a co-operative effort on the part of the student, teachers and parents. St. Aidan’s Community College regards homework as an essential part of a student’s education. The importance of regular homework and an effective study routine from day one of secondary school cannot be over-emphasised. The term ’Homework’ can often be interpreted as written exercises only but it is much more than that. It involves learning, regular revision and preparation for examinations. A wide variety of homework assignments are set by teachers and include:

  • Learning

  • Projects

  • Research

  • Writing reports

  • Essay writing

  • Vocabulary

  • Reading

  • Drawing/painting

  • Designing and making models, home furnishings etc

  • Visits to public libraries and museums

  • Using the internet for research

  • Music practice

  • Oral practice

Aims and Objectives:

  • To teach students the skills needed to learn and study effectively, in class, at home and for their life-long learning.

  • To ascertain the students’ strengths and weaknesses.

  • To promote positive interaction between the students, teachers and parents.

  • To teach students how to study individual subjects.

  • To teach students how their homework should be presented.

  • To instil in them a sense of pride in the homework that they produce.

  • To reinforce the material that has been covered in class.

Role of the Student:

  • All students are required to complete their homework to an acceptably high standard and on time. In the case of written homework, homework must be neatly presented with each part headed and dated.

  • Students are expected to bring home school bags each evening.

  • Homework should be carried out in a quiet, well-lit room away from distractions.

  • Regular times should be set each evening for homework, study and revision.

  • Each student must have his/her homework journal with them every day and all homework must be recorded.

  • The loss of a locker key or forgetting to bring homework in to school is considered as non-presentation of homework.

  • Students who are missing from class for a school activity or a school event must catch up on work that is missed. Teachers will clarify any matters which may arise.

  • Homework must not be completed during class time. If a teacher is absent, work in the subject area will be set by the supervising teacher.

Teachers’ expectations and role:

  • Teachers will set purposeful, well planned homework which is designed to assist each student in reaching his/her full potential.

  • Adequate time will be given to take down homework at the end of the class.

  • Students will be given specific instructions about their homework and will be given a specific time for presenting it. The time allocation will depend on the task being set.

  • When assigning homework teachers will take into account the student’s age, ability, time available to the student and the number of subjects being studied.

  • Teachers will monitor and correct homework.

  • Teachers will communicate any concerns in relation to homework to parents, initially through the journal and, where necessary, by a phone call home.

  • Teachers will explain the sanctions involved if homework is not fully completed and handed in when it is due.

Role of the Parent:

  • Parents should monitor the homework journal every night and take an active part in ensuring that all homework is completed to the highest possible standard.

  • Parents should provide suitable study facilities for the student - ideally a quiet place where the student can study away from distractions, the room should be warm, well-lit and have a comfortable desk or chair.

  • Parents should encourage regular time for study in advance of school and state exams.

  • If parents have any concerns they should, at the earliest possible time, communicate with the school through the journal or by making an appointment with a teacher by telephoning the office.

Monitoring of homework:

  • All homework is examined by the teacher.

  • All written work is corrected and graded by the teacher.

  • Teachers will notify parents through the journal if homework is not complete and may follow up with a phone call.

  • Based on our experience of work rate for various groups, the following is a guideline for study/homework for each of the year groups:
    - First years = 1.5-2 hours
    - Second years = 2-2.5 hours
    - Third years = 3-3.5 hours
    - Transition years = 1-2 hours
    - Fifth years = 3-3.5 hours
    - Sixth years = 3.5 -4 hours. An additional 3-4 hours should be done at weekends.

Note: Extra time may be needed before exam times, or when projects are being completed.

Sanctions:

  • Students who do not have their homework fully completed and on time may be required to complete extra homework for the next subject class.

  • A note will be written in the journal by the subject teacher.

  • Persistently not completing homework will result in parents being contacted by subject teacher and a meeting may be arranged.

  • Sanctions e.g. detention after school by the subject teacher, withdrawal from all out of school activities/extra-curricular activities etc will be set.

Supports:

  • Supports are available to any student who is having problems with his/her homework.

  • It is therefore essential that the school is made aware of any matters arising at the earliest possible stage so that problems can be dealt with as soon as possible and any difficulties can be addressed.

  • Ratified by Board of Management on 30th May 2012.