HOME WORK POLICY
The homework set in each class must not be beyond the reasonable capacity of pupils and its performance must not deprive the child unduly of free time, which the child could devote to other interests.
The suggestions made hereunder represent a moderate view and if carried out by all concerned should prove acceptable to parents and at the same time meet the needs of the school.
In Grade 8 and 9 homework should not exceed 2 hours per day. A convenient breakdown would be 3 units of 40 minutes each per day. The 15 units per week could be allocated to the different subjects as follows:
2 units each per week in LLC 1, LLC 2, MLMMS, HSS, NS, EMS and 1 unit each per week for the remaining 3 subjects, i.e. LO, AC AND Technology.
In Grades 10,11 and 12, homework should not exceed 3 hours per day. Three units of 1 hour each per day would be a convenient arrangement. The 15 units per week could be allocated to the different subject as follows:
English and African languages: 3 units each per week. All other subject:
2 units each per week. And 1 additional unit per week could be in either
Maths, Physical Science, Biology, Accounting and Geography,
depending on the peculiar needs of the class, according to subject sets.
The homework requirements should be clearly explained to all learners by their class educators. A homework timetable should form part of the class timetable and it is the duty of the Grade educator to see that its provisions are carried out.
In constructing the homework timetable the Grade educator must consider the requirements of subject educators and give due regard to subject spread on the daily timetable and to split subjects.
All educators are advised to adhere strictly to the homework timetable and obviate the problems of excessive homework. It is advisable to indicate details of homework set in prep cast/ lesson programme books.
It is not the intention to lay down any rules with regard to the nature of the homework set, except to stress that it must be within the capabilities of the learners. In most cases homework will be in the nature of:
· revision and consolidation of work taught in school,
· completion of work begun in class,
· assignments,
· work-sheets and projects,
Occasions will no doubt arise when valuable preliminary work in preparation for work to come can be set as homework, but this, too, must conform to the cardinal principle that the task set is well within the learner’s capability. The amount of work set must be such that the average learner can complete the task in the time assigned to it.
Grade educators are advised to make periodic checks to ensure that details of homework given and names of defaulters are entered in the Class Control Books, which are maintained by the class, representative.
Subject educators are advised to make referrals of homework defaulters to the guidance head, block supervisors, and in extreme cases, to the Principal.