Homework Policy

Preface

In WRSS, homework is an integral part of teaching and learning and is beneficial to our students' development.

Homework refers to any learning activity in curricular subjects that schools require students to complete outside of curriculum time, regardless of the mode of delivery (i.e. pen-and-paper, online). This includes assignments (including Flipped Learning) and projects but not revision of school work or studying for tests and examinations.

Value of Homework

Homework can reinforce students’ learning, provide feedback on their progress, and cultivate a healthy disposition towards continual learning.

Effective use of homework can:

• reinforce learning and deepen understanding of lessons taught

• allow students to regularly practise, and apply skills and concepts taught;

• develop good study skills and habits; and

• encourage greater ownership and responsibility for independent learning.

Judicious use of homework can allow teachers to:

• implement effective Blended Learning for curriculum coverage

• consolidate learning that has taken place in class;

• check for students' understanding and progress so as to provide timely feedback, intervention and support; and

• review effectiveness of lesson

Homework also provide parents with:

• timely information on the learning progress of their child; and

• opportunities to be involved in their child's learning.

Types of Homework

Homework is varied in types, depending on the teaching and learning needs of the students and subjects.

These include:

• Pre-learning activities (e.g. reading a chapter before lesson)

• Support main learning (e.g. activities to reinforce or apply skills and/or concepts learnt)

• Extension / Post-learning (e.g. activities to integrate various skills and/or concepts into a product)

Design and Administration of Quality Homework

Teachers ensure that the learning activities are well-designed (considering quality and quantity) to bring about the intended learning outcomes, while ensuring the well-being and holistic development of the students.

• Homework given will be purposeful, age-appropriate, within students’ capabilities, and differentiated to meet the different learning objectives (e.g. fostering critical and adaptive thinking).

• Work / assignment given will involve only materials / resources that are available and accessible to students.

• The amount of homework given will take into consideration the competing demands on students’ time e.g., CCA commitments, festivities, school-based assessment, overall homework load.

• Realistic deadlines for submission of homework will be set.

• Homework will be checked and timely feedback will be given to students. Appropriate support and intervention will be provided to students if needed.

• Parents will be engaged on homework matters and information pertaining to students’ progress will be given.

Role of Students

Students are strongly encouraged to

• record their homework given and submission deadlines in the student handbook/personal learning device/notebook;

• inform subject teachers of the homework load using the Homework Board in the classroom;

• ensure that homework given (if hardcopy) is brought home to be completed i.e., do not leave them in school;

• manage their time well and put in their best effort in completing the homework and submit them on time; 

• ensure that homework is done in accordance with the given instructions. Clarify with teacher when in doubt. Do not cheat, plagiarise or commit dishonest practices when doing homework;

• exercise responsibility when requesting for extension of deadline (e.g., speaking to teacher before the deadline);

• proactively find out the homework that they missed; and

• read the feedback given by teacher(s) and learn from the mistakes.

Students who turn in their homework late or submit work of poor quality may be asked to stay back after school to complete the work or be subjected to disciplinary consequence(s). Parents will also be informed. 

Parents as Partners

Parents are encouraged to

• provide a conducive environment for studying and completion of homework;

• remind their child that homework is his/her responsibility;

• reinforce good study habits;

• guide their child to complete the homework in accordance with the given instructions. Ensure that the child does not cheat, plagiarise or commit dishonest practices in the completion of homework. Also, avoid completing the homework for their child; and

• partner the teachers to support their child's learning.