4.0 HOMEWORK and PREP POLICY ‘Homework is a generic term which students, parents and schools readily recognise and encompasses other activities and descriptors such as prep, out of hours learning, coursework, extension activities, etc.’ 4.1 Rationale The aim of the homework policy is to promote independent learning beyond the classroom. Homework reinforces classroom learning, and helps students to further develop skills and attitudes they need for successful lifelong learning. It supports the development of independent learning skills, including the habits of enquiry and investigation. Homework is most beneficial when: It develops and extends the core learning skills of inquiry and independent study; It reinforces and extends classwork and consolidates basic skills and knowledge; It is challenging and purposeful, but not so demanding that it has adverse effects on the student’s motivation; Students take responsibility for their homework, supported by their parents and staff; It is well coordinated and teacher expectations are well communicated; It is set on a regular basis and establishes a routine of home and beyond the classroom study; Teachers set suitable amounts of homework which are varied and at an appropriate level considering the age, stage of schooling and capabilities of students; It takes into account students’ responsibilities and extracurricular activities such as clubs, sport and musical commitments; It is marked promptly and accurately according to the Marking Policy; Feedback and follow-up are provided regularly to students. 4.2 Principles School The school will keep parents and students informed of the Homework Policy and the expectations of individual students; Homework tasks should be carefully planned as part of a department’s Scheme of Work. It is important that homework forms a meaningful part of the work of the particular subject; Each subject will set regular homework tasks within the context of the subject specific needs and arrangements; Homework tasks should be varied in style and appropriate to the needs of the learner, and as laid down and agreed within department schemes of work; Teachers will keep a record of homework tasks and provide diagnostic and development feedback in accordance with the department’s marking policy. Feedback may be a combination of sources: teacher, peer, self; The developing use of the school IT network and parent/pupil portal will result in appropriate homework tasks, supporting materials and link sites increasingly being made available through this medium; The school will support students in their completion of homework tasks through access to study facilities, including the Library, IT facilities, as well as dedicated spaces such as Academy Hall, and House study rooms.
4.0 HOMEWORK and PREP POLICY ‘Homework is a generic term which students, parents and schools readily recognise and encompasses other activities and descriptors such as prep, out of hours learning, coursework, extension activities, etc.’ 4.1 Rationale The aim of the homework policy is to promote independent learning beyond the classroom. Homework reinforces classroom learning, and helps students to further develop skills and attitudes they need for successful lifelong learning. It supports the development of independent learning skills, including the habits of enquiry and investigation. Homework is most beneficial when: It develops and extends the core learning skills of inquiry and independent study; It reinforces and extends classwork and consolidates basic skills and knowledge; It is challenging and purposeful, but not so demanding that it has adverse effects on the student’s motivation; Students take responsibility for their homework, supported by their parents and staff; It is well coordinated and teacher expectations are well communicated; It is set on a regular basis and establishes a routine of home and beyond the classroom study; Teachers set suitable amounts of homework which are varied and at an appropriate level considering the age, stage of schooling and capabilities of students; It takes into account students’ responsibilities and extracurricular activities such as clubs, sport and musical commitments; It is marked promptly and accurately according to the Marking Policy; Feedback and follow-up are provided regularly to students. 4.2 Principles School The school will keep parents and students informed of the Homework Policy and the expectations of individual students; Homework tasks should be carefully planned as part of a department’s Scheme of Work. It is important that homework forms a meaningful part of the work of the particular subject; Each subject will set regular homework tasks within the context of the subject specific needs and arrangements; Homework tasks should be varied in style and appropriate to the needs of the learner, and as laid down and agreed within department schemes of work; Teachers will keep a record of homework tasks and provide diagnostic and development feedback in accordance with the department’s marking policy. Feedback may be a combination of sources: teacher, peer, self; The developing use of the school IT network and parent/pupil portal will result in appropriate homework tasks, supporting materials and link sites increasingly being made available through this medium; The school will support students in their completion of homework tasks through access to study facilities, including the Library, IT facilities, as well as dedicated spaces such as Academy Hall, and House study rooms.
prior-park-college-academic-policies-2015.docx