The SOED report that parents wish more information and understanding of overall policy on homework; for homework to be clear and to have a specific purpose and that the different types of homework and different purposes served by homework could usefully be clarified for parents.
Homework Policy
Homework aims:
- reinforce pupils' learning and consolidate work done in class
- encourage pupils to develop good habits of study;
- encourage pupils to develop self-discipline and adopt a conscientious attitude to work;
- extend the educational opportunities and experiences for pupils available in school
- provide opportunities for parents to support their child and co-operate with the school.
Homework may be expressed in a variety of forms:
- reinforcement of teaching within the school day by practice, preparation, consolidation, revision, re-drafting, extension or remedial work.
- completion of tasks unfinished in school.
- follow-up interest work
- research, investigative or observational work.
Not all subjects in S1/S2 can set homework. It is not possible for one subject teacher to have an overview of one pupil's total workload. In recognition of this staff will give pupils at least two days in which to complete work; some individual organisation of personal workloads is expected of pupils.
The frequency and amount of homework in S3 & S4 should increase steadily in preparation for SQA examinations, although no firm rule is made about the amount set. Nor is it feasible to insist on any one day or weekend being kept free for homework.
As a very rough guide pupils can expect to spend the following time per week on homework.
- S1/2 5 hrs.
- S3/4 7.5 hrs.
- S5/6 10 hrs.
We are conscious that not all pupils enjoy encouraging circumstances for study out of school. Parents should communicate with Guidance staff or Assistant Head teachers if homework is causing a problem, or if in any subject their children seem to have too little or too much. Each pupil in S1-4 is currently given a homework diary.