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Rockhampton State High School believes that homework provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members. Homework should engage students in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class through:
· Revision and critical reflection to consolidate learning
· Applying knowledge and skills in new contexts
· Pursuing knowledge individually and imaginatively
· Preparing for forthcoming classroom learning
Homework will form part of the overall program of learning for students within a unit or subject and should be acknowledged on the student’s assessment outline.
In years 8, 9 and 10 we believe students should be given more responsibility for their own learning. They can be required to engage in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class.
Homework in Years 8, 9 and 10 should not exceed 5 hours a week.
In the Senior Phase the amount of time devoted to homework and independent study should vary according to the student’s learning needs and individual programs of learning, determined through their Senior Education Plan (SETP). During this phase of learning students should generally be independent learners exercising their own judgement as to the time they devote to study. Students in most cases will have ongoing, continuous assessment in the form of assignments, projects or reading requirements. This type of work constitutes homework.
Responsibilities
Principals
· Develop a school homework policy, in consultation with their school community, particularly the Parents’ and Citizens’ Association
· Distribute the homework policy to staff, students and parents/caregivers, particularly at the time of student enrolments
· Ensure the homework policy is effectively implemented throughout the school
· Include an up-to-date homework policy as part of their annual school reporting
Teachers
Teachers can help students establish a routine of regular, independent study by:
· Ensuring their school’s homework policy is implemented
· Clearly communicating the purpose, benefits and expectations of all homework
· Checking homework regularly and providing timely and useful feedback
· Using homework that is varied, challenging and directly related to classwork and appropriate to students’ learning needs
· Explicitly teaching strategies to develop organisational and time-management skills and providing opportunities to practise these strategies through homework
· Giving considerations to other academic and personal development activities (school-based or other) that students could be engaged in when setting homework
· Discussing with parents and caregivers any developing problems concerning their child’s homework and suggesting strategies to assist with their homework
Students
Students can take responsibility for their own homework by:
· Discussing with their parents/caregivers homework expectations
· Accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time frames
· Following up on comments made by teachers
· Seeking assistance when difficulties arise
· Organising their time to manage home obligations, participation in physical activity and sports, recreational and cultural activities and part time employment
Parents
Parents and caregivers can help their children by:
· Reading to them, talking with them and involving them in tasks at home
· Helping them to complete tasks by discussing key questions or directing them to resources
· Encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their learning
· Encouraging them to read and to take an interest in and discuss current local, national and international events
· Helping them manage their time with different activities effectively
· Contacting the relevant teacher to discuss concerns about the nature of homework and their child’s approach to homework
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