Homework Policy

Next review date: September 2028

1. Homework in the School

At CEDEC International Schools, we believe that pupils who are assigned and complete homework regularly are able to achieve more. Homework provides a useful extension of pupils' learning opportunities. Homework is defined as a task set by a teacher to be completed by a pupil in his or her own time, outside of normal school hours.

Homework should provide an appropriate level of challenge for pupils of all abilities. Properly conceived, carefully designed, presented and monitored by the teacher, homework fosters the development of independence, self-discipline and responsibility, and preserves class time for lessons that are best taught with close teacher supervision.

Homework is an integral part of the learning process at CEDEC and presents opportunities for:

•                    Reinforcement of skills and concepts already taught.

•                    Preparation for material to be presented or taught subsequently by the teacher.

•                    Transfer of a skill or concept to a new situation.

•                    Completion of assigned class work not finished during lesson time.

•                    Preparation for cumulative assessments and examinations.

Homework should not be used as a means of introducing pupils to new concepts or skills, nor should pupils be examined on content they have not yet been taught. Pupils should never be expected to acquire or apply new knowledge without any form of prior teacher guidance.

2. Homework Guidelines

The effective use of homework requires cooperation among teachers, pupils and parents/guardians. Homework will be a regular part of every pupil's school experience from Kindergarten through SSS 3. It is expected that a pupil who is new to the CEDEC school system may spend longer on homework during the first few weeks as he/she adjusts to our academic expectations.

Pupils should be able to complete homework within the guidelines below. The following are recommended daily averages, and may vary depending on subject load, term, and individual pupil pace:

•                    Pre-Nursery / Pre-School                15 - 30 minutes

•                    Kindergarten (KG 1 - 2)                    30 - 60 minutes

•                    Basic 1 and 2 (Lower Primary)       45 minutes - 1 hour

•                    Basic 3 and 4 (Middle Primary)      1 hour - 90 minutes

•                    Basic 5 and 6 (Upper Primary)       90 minutes - 2 hours

•                    JSS 1 - JSS 3 (Junior Secondary)     2 - 2.5 hours

•                    SSS 1 - SSS 3 (Senior Secondary)   2.5 - 3 hours

Where a pupil is consistently spending significantly more time than the recommended average, parents are encouraged to inform the class teacher or subject teacher so that the reason can be looked into.

3. Homework and Absences

A pupil is responsible for making up homework missed as a result of absence from school. It is the pupil's responsibility (or, for younger pupils, the parent's responsibility) to find out from the teacher what assignments were given during the period of absence and to arrange a reasonable timeframe for completion.

4. Homework and Vacations

Homework, including holiday assignments and reading logs, may be given during vacations to keep pupils engaged with academic work while away from school. Vacation homework will be reasonable in scope and will not require access to resources unavailable to pupils outside the school environment.

5. Responsibility for Homework

Teachers are responsible for:

•                    Communicating homework expectations clearly to pupils and parents.

•                    Setting homework that is purposeful, appropriately levelled, and linked to classroom learning.

•                    Assigning and correcting/giving feedback on pupils' homework in a timely manner.

•                    Discussing homework concerns with parents when they arise.

•                    Determining how homework will be incorporated into term grades and communicating this to parents and pupils.

•                    Coordinating with colleagues, where possible, to avoid an unreasonable homework load falling on a pupil on any single day.

Pupils are responsible for:

•                    Understanding the homework assignment(s) before leaving school, and asking for clarification when needed.

•                    Seeking the teacher's assistance with assignments when necessary.

•                    Taking home all materials required to complete the assignment.

•                    Working towards the goal of completing homework independently, with minimum parental assistance, as they progress through the school.

•                    Submitting completed homework on the date and in the manner specified by the teacher.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for:

•                    Providing encouragement and support, and showing interest in the pupil's work.

•                    Helping pupils develop good study attitudes and habits by providing a comfortable, well-lit study area away from distractions.

•                    Encouraging pupils to set a regular time for homework and study.

•                    Monitoring and, where required, endorsing homework to ensure completed assignments are returned to school.

•                    Discussing homework concerns with teachers through the appropriate school channels.

•                    Avoiding completing homework on the pupil's behalf, as this undermines the purpose of the exercise.

6. Non-Completion of Homework

If a pupil, particularly in the primary classes, fails to complete homework, a project, or an assignment, the teacher has the right to require the pupil to complete the outstanding work during recess or after school. In such cases, adequate time will still be allowed for the pupil to eat before class resumes. A pupil will not be kept after school unless parents/guardians have first been notified.

For pupils in JSS and SSS, repeated or persistent non-completion of homework will be addressed through the school's standard behaviour/academic conduct procedures, and parents will be informed so that appropriate support can be put in place.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the school's academic leadership, with input from teachers, pupils and parents, to ensure it continues to reflect good practice and the needs of the CEDEC International Schools community.