Appendix 3 - Homework Guidelines

Homework Guidelines

Homework provides the opportunity for boys to review the work introduced in class, test their understanding, extend their reading, summarise their thoughts or apply new information to solve problems. Homework at this School refers to all schoolwork undertaken by a boy outside of normal classroom lessons. There are three main types of homework:

Short-term Homework

This is work set by the subject teacher and may involve routine day-to-day tasks, exercises, revision and preparation for future lessons.

Independent Study

Every boy should revisit and review the work covered in lessons. Brain research shows that this practice alone makes a significant difference to short-term understanding and longerterm recall of the material. As well, boys need time for general reading, wider reading and Internet research related to their subjects and time for test/examination preparation. Boys are advised to commence focussed examination preparation at least 3 weeks before the examination.

Longer-term Homework

This is assignment work set by the subject teacher requiring careful management of time to complete.

Rationale

This School regards homework as integral to the academic progress and achievement of boys.

We believe that homework has the following benefits:

» It provides a significant opportunity to learn and extend classwork. » It identifies areas of work which have not been fully understood in the classroom and which should be followed up with the subject teacher. » It helps build self-discipline, personal responsibility and independent learning. » It develops skills in thinking, concentration, time management and research. » It exposes boys to the realities of post-secondary studies and to the concept of life-long learning.

Homework Schedule

Teachers may assign homework on a daily basis or over a longer period. If an assignment is due, a teacher may not specify a particular task for homework but the assumption is that boys are continuing to work on these longer tasks. Boys will be issued and expected to complete homework each night. There may be some nights at the beginning and end of term or days when we have special events where the boys may not be issued homework.

The times below are expectations on average of what a boy should be completing 5 nights a week. This is based on completing daily, weekly and assignment based homework. Teachers will understand if commitments prevent him from completing all his homework. If your son is having trouble on a regular basis completing his homework, communicate either with his teacher or Head of House.

Year Level Homework Expectation

Years 7 and 8 1 – 1½ hours per night, on average. Years 9 and 10 1½ - 2 hours per night, on average. Years 11 and 12 2 – 3 hours per night, on average

» We also ask all parents to encourage their boys to read every night / as often as possible. » Boys in Years 11 & 12 would require a minimum of 3 hours extra on weekends to support assignment completion and further study. » The completion of all types of homework is taken very seriously at Toowoomba Grammar School. Where a boy persistently fails to complete homework satisfactorily, the teacher will take appropriate action and, if necessary, inform the boy’s Head of House who will contact parents.