Year 7 & 8 Administrative & Course Handbook

HOMEWORK AND THE STUDENT PLANNER All students in Year 7 and Year 8 will have regular homework. It is expected that students at this level would be issued, on average, one hour each weeknight. This may involve completing any unfinished work, reading over the day’s work, completing any missed work, preparing projects/assignments, studying for tests and general reading. Major assessments will be uploaded to the “Learning Task” on Compass at least two weeks prior to due date. All students are issuedwithaStudent Planner andstudents should use the Planner to record all homework and due dates, dates for tests and excursions. Parents/Guardians can assist by helping children organise time wisely. Homework including projects and assignments must be submitted on time. Late work will not be assessed. Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon we support student learning in a supportive and encouraging environment at Club 3 - 4. Twice a week we offer homework clubs for both junior and senior students. Staffed by our teachers, it is an opportunity for students to work individually or work in study groups. If students lose ormisuse the Planner theywill be required to purchase another one from the General Office. If a child is unable to submit work on the due date he/she should bring a note before the work is due requesting an extension from the classroom teacher. HOMEWORK POLICY POLICY Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. The setting of homework takes into account the needs for student’s to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, cultural and employment activities where appropriate. GUIDELINES • Teachers, Students and Parents/Guardians have responsibility in ensuring this policy is effective. • Teachers will set homework that is: - purposeful and relevant to students needs - engaging to students in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class - appropriate to the phase of learning - appropriate to the capability of the student - develops the student’s independence as a learner - varied, challenging and clearly related to class work - allows for student commitment to recreational, employment, family and cultural activities • Parents/Guardians have a role to play in their child’s homework responsibilities. • Students need to take responsibility for their own learning. IMPLEMENTATION • Teachers, Students and parents will be made aware of the requirements of this policy. • Compass and student planners will be used to ensure communication lines remain open between Teachers, Parents and Students. • Teachers will: - regularly monitor and collaborate to ensure consistent and effective implementation of the school homework policy - set homework that is varied, challenging and directly related to class work and appropriate to the students’ learning needs - set homework on a regular basis - use student planners and Compass shall be used to record the homework task and when it is due to be completed - clearly communicate the purpose, benefits and expectations of all homework - check homework regularly and provide timely and useful feedback - explicitly teach strategies to develop organisation and time-management skills and provide opportunities to practices these strategies through homework - give consideration to other academic and personal development activities (school based or other) that students could be engaged in when setting homework - discuss with parents/guardians any developing problems concerning their child’s homework and suggest strategies to assist with their homework 20 MOOROOLBARK COLLEGE