Homework Policy

The purpose of homework, like school, is learning. Homework is important for students of all ages, as it helps them build on what they have already learnt in the classroom and prepares them for the next stage in their learning.
Homework is also valuable for teachers, as it helps them assess the progress of their students.
Research carried out in Australia and overseas shows a clear link between the time spent by students on out-of-class study and student achievement.
Homework helps to bridge the gap between home and school, providing a partnership between home and school.

Parents can help by:
• supporting students in completing homework
• providing, if possible, a dedicated place and desk for homework and study
• assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing the diary weekly
• communicating with teachers about any concerns with homework or their child’s approach to homework.

As a guide St. John Bosco College recommends the following suggestions for home study

Year 7	1 hour per night	Year10	2 and a half hours per night
Year 8	1 and a half hours per night	Year 11	3 hours per night
Year 9	2 hours per night	Year 12	3 hours per night

Homework activities may vary according to the needs of the various subject areas being studied. While most homework will consist of completing work begun in class and preparing for future lessons, students may also be given work to consolidate what they have learnt and to help them progress to the next stage of their learning.

Examples of homework set are:

•	COMPLETING	work taught in class - completing examples, written responses, practising examples, etc.
•	PREPARATION	of presentations to class
•	READING	is always beneficial. Students will generally have a novel for English, or may borrow from the exciting range of books for pleasure and for factual knowledge contained in our library. Newspapers provide an excellent source of data for subjects such as Commerce, English, Studies in Society, Religious Education, Geography, History, etc., and for any work on Current Affairs.
•	INTERVIEWING	and gathering information from family, relatives and neighbours for a number of different subjects.
•	CREATING & DESIGNING	materials for Design and Technology, Geography, etc.
•	ASSIGNMENTS	that may be set on major topics in a number of subject areas. Such assignments are set well in advance. Students need to plan their time carefully to complete such assignments. Resources may need to be gathered and notes made, questions answered and presentations planned.
•	STUDY NOTES	will be beneficial for all students in preparing for EXAMS, class tests and other forms of assessment.

These are only a few of the many different forms that HOMEWORK may take, and parents are encouraged to support your children in planning and completing any task that has been set.