Homework Policy

Purpose of Homework

• To reinforce and strengthen concepts taught in class
• To complete unfinished class-work
• To develop independent study skills and work habits
• To develop responsibility and good time management
• To enhance academic achievement.

Role of Parents/Guardians

• Having a link between school and home reinforces learning and provides parents and guardians with a means of becoming involved in their sons learning.
• Parents/Guardians should monitor their son’s journal on a regular basis to ensure that homework is being recorded and completed.
• If homework is not completed, done or presented, a note in the journal is required from parents/guardians explaining why.
• Parents/Guardians should sign journals on a weekly basis.
• Parents/Guardians should sign notes from teachers in the journal on the day it is given.

Role of Student

• Students have a role to play in their own learning and thus, have responsibilities in relation to homework.
• Students should ensure that homework is accurately recorded in their homework journal.
• Students should also complete their homework to the best of their ability and present the homework on the due date.
• Should a student have problems in relation to their homework, they should engage with their parents/guardians. If the problem results in non-completion of homework, students should ensure they have a note from their parents/guardians, outlining the reasons.

Role of Teacher
To clearly explain the standards required in their subject areas-both written and learning. Possible methods to achieve this include:

1. Writing homework assignments clearly on the board.
2. Giving adequate time to take this down/start at end of class.
3. Making parents aware of any problems by sending a note home in the journal.
4. Giving structures and guidelines for revision.

The teacher also has a role in correcting homework and providing feedback. Feedback may include comments, grades or recommendations.

Role of School

• To ensure that study skills and work habits are highlighted to First and Second Year students through CSPE, SPHE and Career Guidance.
• To engage outside agencies to deliver study skills seminars to exam classes, in order to enhance the work being done in the school.
• The school also provides After School Study from Monday to Friday, which students have the opportunity to avail of. Due to the limited number of available places, first refusal is offered to exam classes i.e. 3rd and 6th The remaining spaces are then offered on a first come, first serve basis. 

Use of the Journal

• The following practice should be observed by all students in relation to homework journals;
• Fill in each subject for each day.
• Record work done in class if no homework is given.
• Tick each box when homework is completed.
• Parents and tutors should monitor use of homework journal for homework purposes weekly.

Types of Homework

• Homework can be short term i.e. due for the next day, or long term e.g. the writing of an essay or the completion of a project.
• Homework can be written work, practical work or learning. In relation to learning homework, it is very important that the student complete this each evening.
• Homework can be in the form of revision of work already learned.
• Homework may involve the preparation of oral presentations for class.

Minimum Guidelines Times for Homework

• The following table provides guidelines for the minimum amount of time that should be spent on homework and study per night.

Promotion of Good Study Habits

• At Coláiste Phádraig, we give students subject awards every year. Students are given awards for their academic achievement and, for their effort and application to work in their various subjects. Attitude and application to homework forms part of the criteria by which these awards are awarded.
• Teachers may take the following steps for non-completion of homework.

(a) Note home
(b) Other steps include; written punishment work, repetition of exercise, multiple repetition of exercise
(c) Parents may be contacted to further discuss problems
(d) Persistent non-presentation of homework may also be recorded in booking book in conjunction with the schools discipline procedure.

Teachers’ Handbook

• Policy will be included in Teachers’ Handbook.

Review

• Policy will be reviewed at least every 3 years.
 Coláiste Phádraig, Roselawn, Ballydowd, Dublin

 (01) 628 2299

 admin@colaistephadraig.com