03/10/2006

The Purpose of Homework

• To reinforce skills and content learned at school
• To develop the habit of independent study

The Nature of Homework

• Tasks that inspire students and encourage them to investigate further
• Tasks that stimulate discussion and interaction with parents
• Tailored to individual needs and abilities

Note:  Only very rarely should homework consist of finishing tasks started in class. 

Which Subjects?

All students are expected to do regular reading practice at home

Infants

• Fine motor skills practice and handwriting tasks
• Occasional thematic work

Primary School

• All subjects may need revision for tests occasionally
• Social Science and Science may occasionally need some research at home
• Languages and Mathematics require regular reinforcement and practice

Secondary School

• All Subjects

How Much?

• In addition to regular reading, students may be required to complete homework tasks up to the limits below
• Tutors control the amount of homework their class receives to ensure it does not exceed these limits
• If a student is regularly taking much longer than the recommended times, parents should discuss the matter with the tutor so that solutions can be investigated 

When?

• Most homework in Primary School should be completed during study periods
• Homework should not be set during vacations, with the exception of students in Secondary School Years 4, 5 and 6 (IB Diploma)
• Ample time should be given at the end of lessons to make sure students understand the homework task, and to write their homework in their diaries

Política de Tareas

04/10/2006

El propósito de las tareas

• Reforzar las habilidades y contenidos aprendidos en el colegio
• Desarrollar el hábito del estudio autónomo

Las características de las tareas.  Las tareas deben:

• Motivar a los alumnos a profundizar e investigar
• Estimular la discusión y la interacción con los padres
• Tomar en cuenta las habilidades, necesidades e intereses del estudiante

Nota:  Sólo muy eventualmente una tarea podrá consistir en terminar en casa aquello que se trabajó en clase

Temas

Todos los estudiantes deben practicar la lectura regularmente, en casa

Nivel Inicial

• Ejercicios que desarrollen la coordinación motora-fina
• Eventuales trabajos sobre temas concretos

Nivel Primaria

• Todas las áreas deben ser repasadas para eventuales evaluaciones
• Las áreas de Ciencias Sociales y Ciencia requieren eventuales investigaciones
• Las áreas de Idiomas y Matemática requieren práctica y refuerzo regulares

Nivel Secundaria

• Todos las áreas

Cantidad

• Además de la lectura regular se puede exigir tareas hasta los límites indicados en el cuadro adjunto
• La cantidad de tareas debe ser controlada por los Tutores para que no excedan los límites
• Si un estudiante requiere regularmente más tiempo que el recomendado, los padres deben conversar al respecto con el Tutor, para buscar una solución adecuada

Cuándo

• En Primaria, la mayoría de las tareas deberán terminarse durante el período de estudio previsto en el colegio
• No habrá tareas para las vacaciones, con excepción de los estudiantes de Cuarto, Quinto y Sexto de Secundaria (Bachillerato Internacional)
• Al final de cada clase, los profesores dedicarán tiempo suficiente para que los estudiantes comprendan la tarea que deben realizar y asegurarse que la han escrito en su agenda

Homework Advice for Parents

Homework Policy

You are invited to read the Homework Policy so that you know what to expect.  If you have any doubts or questions about this policy, please contact the Principal.   

Parental Help

Parental support in ensuring that homework becomes a valued, systematic part of the learning process is important.  A regular time slot, without distractions provides the best environment so that children can concentrate. 

Support to think through a task can be helpful, but always avoid taking over a task as your child needs to learn to work independently.  Over-reliance on parental help can actually slow down a child’s progress in class if the child becomes dependent on someone else to do their thinking or organising. 

Organising for the Next Day

One of the most important homework tasks for all children is to prepare for the next working day.  This means checking that they have put any necessary homework tasks in their bag, and that they have delivered any letters to parents and put reply slips in their bag ready for school. 

It is also important for students to check their timetable to ensure that they have the equipment for the next day’s lessons.  A weekly check of pencil cases to ensure that there is a full supply of basic equipment such as pens, pencils, rulers etc will also help students be better organised and better prepared in class.

Standards

All students are expected to complete homework to the best of their ability, and to hand it in on time.  Students failing to meet these requirements will be dealt with according to the school discipline policy.