Homework Policy
Homework refers to any learning activity that schools require students to complete outside of curriculum time, regardless of the mode of delivery (i.e. pen-and-paper, virtual / online). This includes assignments and projects but not revision of schoolwork or studying for tests and examinations.
Rationale for Homework
Homework, when used appropriately, can reinforce students’ learning, provide feedback on their progress and cultivate a healthy disposition towards continual learning.
Effective use of homework allow students to
reinforce learning and deepen understanding of lessons taught;
practise regularly;
apply skills and concepts taught;
develop healthy dispositions; and
encourage greater ownership and responsibility for self-directed learning.
Homework also provides parents with
timely information on the learning progress of their child; and
opportunities to be involved in their child’s learning.
General Considerations
Homework is assigned with the following considerations:
Holistic development
Students need a balanced life with adequate time for family bonding, social activities, personal interests and rest;Balance
Students' overall workload and the competing demands on their time (e.g. CCA, competitions, enrichment classes, preparation for upcoming Weighted Assessments, tests and examinations) are accounted for; andAge-Appropriate
Students are provided with homework that is age-appropriate, and differentiated by academic levels.
Guidelines for Homework Hours
Recommended duration of homework
Levels | Average time to be spent on homework across all subjects |
|---|---|
P1 and P2 | 1 hour |
P3 and P4 | 1 hour 20 mins |
P5 and P6 | 2 hours |
Subject teachers will coordinate their assignment of homework to ensure students are not overloaded. In particular, EL and MTL teachers will coordinate weekly spelling so that they do not fall on the same day of the week.
Reading is essential and it is expected that all students read daily. Therefore reading assignments (e.g. reading aloud to others, reading quietly) may also be given as homework.
Tasks or assignments given through the Student Learning Space (SLS) that would require students to complete outside of curriculum time will also constitute as homework.
Teachers will not assign homework to be completed on Public Holidays as students could be involved in the celebration of festivals, spending time with their loved ones or taking a break from formal learning.
The school is mindful that school holidays are meant for students to take a break from formal learning and they should therefore not be given excessive homework. If homework is to be given during the school holidays, the daily homework load will not be more than 50% of the daily load given during the school week.
Types of Homework
There are generally four types of homework that are assigned and they serve different purposes:
Homework Types and Examples
Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Prepare | Prepare students for upcoming lessons |
|
Practise | Provide students with review and reinforcement of knowledge and skills introduced in previous lesson(s) so as to facilitate retention of factual knowledge and deepening of conceptual understanding |
|
Extend | Stretch students' conceptual understanding from knowledge and skills introduced in lesson(s) so as to encourage collaborative and self-directed pursuit |
|
Create | Provide students with opportunities that allow them to create, analyse, synthesize and evaluate learning artefacts so as to encourage inventiveness and resourcefulness |
|
Roles and Responsibilities
Students and parents both play important roles in ensuring that homework serves its intended purposes.
Students should
understand the purpose of homework and what is expected of them;
use “My Learning Journal” to keep track of homework instructions and deadlines;
manage time well to ensure that homework is completed and submitted on time;
give his / her best effort in completing homework; and
review feedback from teachers on homework submitted.
Parents should
co-create with your child a home environment conducive for studying and completion of homework (i.e. an area with good lighting and space for studying, and is free of distractions);
supervise and provide support for your child’s learning;
plan a regular schedule with your child for homework each day;
build executive functioning skills with your child such as checking against their learning journals daily so as to monitor progress and pace towards deadlines for homework;
reinforce good study habits and attitudes by encouraging and motivating your child;
be mindful in helping your child cope with potential stresses arising from school homework and out-of-school activities,
assist child in prioritising his/her time among different activities; and
work in partnership with the school and teachers to support your child’s overall learning and development.
Non-completion of Homework
Teachers will work with students to find out the reasons for any non-submission of homework. Intervention strategies to support the student in this area will be based on the reasons and if need be, a parent-teacher conference will be arranged.
If a student is medically excused from school for an extended length of time, arrangements can be made on how the student can be supported with homework and other areas of academic needs.