Scoil Uí Mhuirí

Homework Guidelines

In Scoil Uí Mhuirí we believe that homework is an integral part of every student's learning.
This policy is rooted in our Mission Statement which states that "In Scoil Uí Mhuirí we are a learning community committed to the development of the whole person within a context which values each of its members."
In this regard homework has a major role to play in consolidating work done in school and in allowing students develop as independent learners.

Rationale
" Regular homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process.
" The purpose of homework is to help the students to revisit and reflect on the work that has taken place in the classroom.
" Through regular homework students learn responsibility, perseverance, self-discipline and time management.
" It encourages the skills needed for students to study effectively on their own and promotes independent learning.

Aims
" To ensure consistent approaches to the setting and reviewing of homework.
" To ensure an equitable distribution of homework and to reduce pressure on students from homework overload.

Objectives

" To promote the development by students of good study habits and effective study skills.
" To enable students to develop a capacity to organise their own homework.
" To prepare students for examinations.
" To enhance the academic achievements of students.
" To encourage parents to take an interest in and share responsibility for their children's work and progress.

Policy Content
" Each student will be assigned regular homework that is purposeful and meaningful to the work of the class.
" Assigned homework will be written by the student into the School Journal.
" Homework will be monitored to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of homework.
" Homework can take such diverse forms as written exercise, completing a drawing, learning work covered in class, revisiting work already learned, researching a topic, oral work and aural work.
" Subject teachers will develop a homework policy at subject department level.
" Each subject teacher will incorporate a study skills programme into the teaching of their subject.
" Teachers will correct homework, give feedback to students in accordance with the assessment for learning (AFL) method and maintain a record of homework.



" Parents will be informed when students are not doing homework.
" Sanctions may be imposed if students fail to produce homework, in accordance with our Code of Discipline.
" Students absent due to school related activities must ensure that they find out and complete the homework assigned.
" Students who are absent for long periods of time must endeavour to catch up on missed work.
" Special consideration will be given to students with Special Educational Needs and to students for whom English is a second language.

Special Educational Needs

In setting homework for students with special needs teachers are encouraged to balance the right of students to share fully in the work of the class, including homework, with their individual learning needs. Subject teachers will collaborate where possible with the Learning Support teacher to ensure tasks are manageable for the student.

Supervised Study

An after school study programme is on offer within the school Mon - Thurs 3.50 - 5.30pm. All students are invited to participate.
As a general guideline it is recommended that students spend the
following amounts of time doing homework.

Year Group Time per Evening Time per Week
1st Year 1 - 2 hours 5 - 6 times a week
2nd Year 1.5 - 2 hours 5 - 6 times a week
3rd Year 2.5 hours 6 times a week
Transition Year As guided by teachers. As guided by teachers.
5th Year 2.5 - 3 hours 6 - 7 times a week
6th Year 3 - 4 hours 7 times a week
LCA As guided by teachers. As guided by teachers.

Roles and Responsibilities
Students are required
" To record all homework in the School Journal, including written, study, revision, and research homework.
" To complete homework to the best of their ability.
" To present homework neatly and to a high standard, following the guidelines of the subject teacher.
" To complete homework on time.
" To have the School Journal signed each week by parents/ guardians.
" To present a note to the teacher at the beginning of class, if homework has not been done.


Parents are encouraged
" To encourage students to form a positive study habit.
" To provide a suitable learning environment, a quiet room free from distraction, with suitable heat, light and furniture.
" To ensure that students spend the suggested amount of time for their year group completing their homework to a high standard.
" To inspect and sign the School Journal on a weekly basis, to verify that homework has been recorded and completed.
" To sign homework copies/ tests if requested by subject teachers.
" To attend Parent-Teacher meetings.

Subject Teachers are required
" To set appropriate and relevant homework taking into account the needs and abilities of the students.
" To monitor and record the completion of homework.
" To correct homework and give feedback to students using the assessment for learning method (AFL).
" To ensure that students record the assigned homework in their School Journal.


Class Tutors are required
" To give instruction on the correct use of the School Journal.
" To monitor and sign the School Journal at least fortnightly.