Home Work Policy

Homework is an extension and a supplement of class work which has to be completed and/or learnt by learners outside the classroom. There are four types of homework: practice, preparation, extension and completion

Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. Practice also includes bonds and tables, phonics and spelling and reading

Preparation assignments help learners get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom

Extension assignments are frequently long-term, large-scale projects and assignments that parallel classwork. Projects are done in class so that the teacher can teach essential skills. Learners do their own work so that the marks reflect their ability

Completion assignments. Learners need to complete essential incomplete classwork and corrections

PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK

Assigning homework serves various educational needs. It serves as an intellectual discipline; establishes study habits; eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class; and supplements and reinforces work done in school. The purpose of homework is thus that learners should get the opportunity to inculcate further, through independent effort and as his/her own responsibility, that which has already been taught or practised under staff supervision. In addition, homework fosters a learner's initiative, independence and responsibility and brings the home and school closer together. It also allows for differentiated teaching and learning and aids concentration.

OBJECTIVES

The following are the most important objectives of homework:

• To give learners the opportunity to undertake schoolwork independently and under own conditions
• To provide an opportunity for independent acquiring of knowledge and mastering of skills
• To provide additional practice, increasing the amount of time learners are actively engaged in learning
• To allow teachers an opportunity for monitoring learners' progress and diagnosing learning problems
• To increase learners' independence, personal responsibility and individual accountability
• To facilitate more rapid movement through the curriculum
• To increase communications between parents and the school

THE TEACHER AND HOMEWORK

• Giving homework on a regular basis will increase achievement and improve attitudes toward learning.
• Homework assignments must supplement the classwork in a sensible manner and must therefore be based on work which the learner understands. It should arouse interest and stimulate thought.
• Homework must be routinely controlled, collected and/or assessed. Homework should be reviewed during class time.
• Homework assignments should be specific so that there can be no misunderstanding
• An opportunity should be given for learners to record the required homework in the Homework Diary.
• Teachers check diaries daily to ensure learners are writing down homework and that parents are signing daily.
• Teachers need to check if there has been correspondence from parents

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

• Where possible a quiet and suitable place should be set aside in the home where your child can do his/ her homework undisturbed
• Provide your child with all the necessary tools (e.g. stationery, access to libraries etc.) to complete the homework assignments.
• Help your child with research, but the written work should be your child's own work. Allow him or her to write or type the information in his/her own words and draw his or her own pictures
• Check your child's homework diary which will indicate the required homework.
• Sign the diary once you have checked that all the required homework has been completed.
• It must be emphasised that the purpose of homework is totally defeated if parents do the homework or give too much help
• If parents do the work for their children, this teaches them that they 'can't.'
• Your child's work has to be assessed on his or her ability, not yours.'
• Monitor television viewing and leisure time and establish a specific homework time and bedtime.'
• If there is no assigned written homework, encourage your child to revise and to read out loud to you regularly and by himself or herself before going to sleep. Do your children see you reading?'
• Bonds and Tables, phonics or spelling also need be practised.
• Communicate concerns or problems via the Homework Diary so that teachers can intervene timeously
• A positive work and homework ethic should be communicated.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEARNERS

• Write down homework in the MPHS Homework Diary. If you lose your diary, buy another one straight away. Your diary helps you to be organised and on track.
• Be sure you understand what to do for assignments. Listen carefully to instructions. Follow written instructions. Don't be afraid to ask questions if necessary.
• Set aside a regular time for studying.
• Find a quiet, well-lit study area
• Work on homework by yourself whenever possible, so that it reflects your ability
• Produce quality work you are proud to hand in. Write neatly. Presentation is important.
• Make sure assignments are done according to the given instructions and completed on time
• Make sure you have everything you are asked to bring for future lessons so you are prepared to work
• Ensure that your parents check your homework and thereafter sign your Homework Diary
• If you have been absent, you know which lessons you have missed because you have a timetable. Make sure you go to the teacher and find out what you have to catch up. Hand in the work for assessment.
• If you are focussed and concentrating on your work in the classroom, you will complete your classwork and have less written homework.