Arklow C.B.S. Homework Policy
Purpose of homework:
- Homework is an integral part of the learning process supporting student learning and inform teaching.
- Reinforce material taught and learned in the classroom that day.
- Explore subjects in greater depth, with the aim of enhancing academic achievement and developing student skills.
- Practice new skills and concepts and enable students to become more competent in their use
- Develop study skills and encourage independent learning, self-discipline and responsibility
Types of homework:
Includes a range of activities that support the work in class at the discretion of the teacher such as:
- Written assignments
- Learning assignments
- Revision work
- Collecting information for projects
- Listening to tapes or CD’s
- Watching educational documentaries or television programmes
- Preparing for debates, role-plays etc.
- Preparation for practical classes
- Reading
- Research
- Practical Work / Project work for practical classes
- Use of IT e.g. Microsoft Teams.
Student Journal:
Students must have their Homework Journal with them for all classes. Classwork / Homework should be recorded for every subject daily. Homework Journal should be always in clear view on student’s desk.
Roles and responsibilities around homework:
Students:
- Homework should be done on time, in full and should be properly presented.
- Each student must record all homework in their journal as outlined by their subject teacher. All forms of homework should be recorded.
- Before a student leaves class, they should ensure that they understand clearly what their teacher expects them to do for homework.
- If a student is absent from class for any reason it is their responsibility to find out the details of the work that they missed. This also applies to students who missed classes due to sporting or other extra-curricular activities.
- Copying homework from another student will not be tolerated.
- In circumstance whereby, Artificial intelligence was used such as ChatGPT, students are expected to reference this content to ensure the material is not claimed as their own work.
- In the event of homework not being presented, teachers will require a note of explanation from parents / guardians in the student’s journal.
Teachers:
- Teachers will set regular homework on topics covered in class.
- Teachers should explain homework assignments clearly and share the success criteria with their students
- Teachers should give clear guidelines as to how homework is to be presented and clear deadlines for completion.
- Teachers are expected to check homework regularly and give formative feedback to their students.
- In general, homework will be recorded on the subject Team/OneNote system.
- Teacher will keep record on homework and issues with homework will be recorded on Vsware.
- During holiday periods, mid-term breaks etc. homework can be given at the teacher’s discretion.
Parents / Guardians
Parents / Guardians should:
- Support the school in matters relating to homework.
- It is recommended that parents sign the homework journal weekly and note any comment made by a teacher.
- In the event of homework not being completed a note of explanation should be written into the school journal.
- Help ensure that their student has a suitable study environment.
- Discuss their student’s homework with them. Parental support and interest can have a significant impact on the quality of work done.
- Attend Parent/Teacher meetings. Contact the school if there are concerns that need to be discussed.
- Parents/Guardians should encourage and support reading at home.
- An after-school hub is a further service available to all students where upon students can complete homework/revision in a supervised environment, for a small fee. Strict rules apply.
Time Allocation for Homework
The value of the homework is more important than the precise amount of time devoted to it. The amount of time taken to complete homework will vary from student to student and from year to year. Nonetheless, parents/guardians and students may find it useful to be given broad guidelines as to how much time is reasonable for students to spend on homework. Best practice suggests that the amount of time spent on average by students at second level on homework should fall within the following ranges:
First Year: 1 – 2 hours
Second Year: 1 - 2 hours
Third Year: 2-3 hours. Weekend study and revision is also essential.
Transition Year: Varies depending on project work and activities
Fifth Year: 2-3 ½ hours
Sixth Year: 3 - 4 hours. Weekend study and revision is also essential.
Students who are sitting State Examinations, Christmas, mock and summer exams will probably require more time as the exams approach.
If your son is taking an excessive amount of time over and above the guidelines, please let the school know.
Ratifies by the Board Of Management on: 28th November 2023.