INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
Policies & Guidelines / Academic

HOMEWORK POLICY

What is homework?
Homework is a tool used to extend learning and includes any activity or assignment directed by
the teacher to be performed independently outside the classroom. It may include practising skills,reading, studying, preparation for or completion of assignments/projects. It should be engaging,purposeful and relevant.
Purpose of homework: to encourage thinking about learning to practice newly taught skills
 to review previously mastered skills
 to develop independent study habits
 to extend and/or enrich the curriculum

KINDERGARTEN and JUNIOR SCHOOL:
We believe that academic achievement is critical to student success. We also believe thatchildren should have time to play, run, tumble, and take music lessons, ballet, swim, ski, and allother activities that provide a balanced life. After school, children should be engaged in freeplay, after school activities and opportunities to socialise. These activities help the children
become well-rounded individuals. It is always important to keep in mind that play is a child’swork.
Homework can be assigned for the purpose of practice, and is structured around familiar
content. Examples include: mathematics problems, memorizing mathematics facts, practicing
spelling words, practicing vocabulary sight words, reading at an independent level, etc. Whenthe purpose of homework is preparation or elaboration, it includes a wide variety ofactivities. Examples include: family/neighbor interviews, library/web research, creating amodel, playing a game, reviewing a movie, writing reports, reading, etc. Homework should becompleted and brought to school by the child on the due date. This is part of developing
responsibility for their own learning. Feedback is given as appropriate.
Parents are strongly encouraged to read with their children, including in their first language.
Modelling reading in the first language will help develop a range of skills in the secondlanguage.
Suggested times:

K5, Grades 1 & 2:
Grades 3 & 4:

15-30 minutes per day - including reading
30-40 minutes per day - including reading

Parents should consult with their child’s teacher if it is taking their child considerably longer
than this suggested time.

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Revised February 2016

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
Policies & Guidelines / Academic

HOMEWORK POLICY
Note: Teachers are not required to provide homework ahead of time when a family plansabsences from school during term time.
MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL:
Guidelines for Teachers: identify the purpose of homework assignments and communicate expectations
 give consideration to quality over quantity
 write homework assignments on the board or record on Moodle and provide time forstudents to record them review, discuss and return, if collected, homework in a timely manner - provide feedback notify parents early regarding homework problems and missing assignments
 modify homework expectation for students in ESL and Study Skills
 teach students techniques that can help them to develop good study habits in the subject
area
 major tests/assignments* should be written in on the testing schedule. Only 2 major tests
should be held on one day major tests are defined as those lasting a whole period and covering a large section ofmaterial such as a complete chapter in grades 11 and 12 students are prepared for higher education, therefore up to 3
test/essays/assignments on a single day may occur at the end of a marking period if noother testing slots are available
 homework and tests other than review, should not be given in the week before the end ofyear examinations
 extensive homework assignments should not be due on the first day back from a holiday
 no homework should be set in Values, Personal Education and MS Options, however, ifclass time for work has not been fully utilised, students can be expected to catch up.
Guidelines for Students:
 record homework when assigned
 seek clarification from the teacher when unclear about homework use class time provided for completing class work and/or starting homework
 complete all assigned homework seek assistance from teacher when demonstrating an inability to complete homework
 be responsible for getting missed assignments study, don’t cram.
Guidelines for Parents:
 promote a positive attitude towards homework as part of the learning process monitor time management and productivity
 communicate with teachers at the earliest possible opportunity if the child has
demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework.

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Revised February 2016

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
Policies & Guidelines / Academic

HOMEWORK POLICY
Guidelines for Principals:
 monitor and support the teachers in the implementation of homework guidelines
 support the need for balance among the many learning activities beside homework instudents’ lives.
MS Only: no subject should require more than one major assessment to be completed in any week projects should be mainly completed in class, completed at home if additional time isneeded grade 5/6 - No homework to be set on weekends
 grade 5-8 - No homework to be set over holidays (including long weekends). ESLholiday homework may be set for language maintenance homework time guidelines: Grade 5/6 10 minutes per 40 minute period in academic
subjects. Grade 7/8 15 minutes per 40 minute period in academic subjects.

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Revised February 2016