‘Independent learning out of school is a vital ingredient in educational motivation and achievement.’
(From ‘Learning out of School’ - Report of Research Study, Jordanhill College)

• Personal study, including work at home and other work out of class, is an important feature of many courses offered in the school.   Students are encouraged to accept responsibility for their own learning.   The role of home study in this connection is vital to the self-discipline and planning required to work independently.  Where formal homework is set, it is essential feedback is given.
• The School Policy on home study is issued to all parents.
• A booklet is issued to first year parents indicating the value of personal study and the ways in which they can help their children develop study skills.
• Students should normally have a reasonable time in which to complete homework (preferably one week).
• Provision of differentiated work should be available.
• Written homework should be issued and marked in accordance with arrangements published to parents at the start of each year, with booklets for the first 4 years of school.  Staff should record homework issued and grades given.
• Parents are encouraged to look at homework and jotters and comments written in these books provide a useful way of getting information to parents.  Parents are also encouraged to sign Student Planners each week as part of their monitoring of home study.
• Staff should encourage pupils to obtain parent signatures in the appropriate weekly slot in their Student Planner.

Homework        

Is primarily the responsibility of the learner herself/himself. However, if the school and home work in partnership there is a much greater chance of effective learning out of school.

What does this mean for the students?

They should:

• Be fully aware of the expectations of the school.
• Receive homework tasks, which comply with the Principles of Practice.
• Have a clear idea of departmental homework policies.
• Carry and use a student planner at all times.
• Know where to get help if in difficulty.
• Take responsibility for home study.
• Produce homework on time and to a satisfactory standard.

What does this mean for the Staff?

They can expect:

• A consistent application of departmental and school policy.
• To monitor homework given and completed.
• To obtain support from parents and Senior Management when homework is not completed.
• To have a manageable workload related to homework and assessment.
• To monitor homework given and completed.
• To obtain support when homework is not completed.

Home study means all learning that takes place at home - formally (i.e. set homework) and informally (e.g. reading, family discussions).  This policy sets out clear guidelines on the formal aspect of home study - Homework.

In James Gillespie’s High School we have adopted the principles of practice from “Learning out of School”, a research study carried out at Jordanhill College in Glasgow.   They are as follows:

• Homework should be clearly related to ongoing classroom work.
• There should be a clear pattern to class work and homework for all subjects.
• Homework should be varied.
• Homework should be manageable by the student and the teacher.
• Homework should provide an attainable challenge.
• Homework should allow for individual initiative and creativity.
• Homework should promote self-confidence and understanding.
• There should be recognition and reward for work done.
• There should be guidance and support from staff and parents.

These principles are the cornerstone of the Homework policy of James Gillespie’s High School.

What does this mean for the parents?

They should:

• Be aware of school expectations.
• Receive guidance on appropriate parental support for children.
• Have access to school support if there are difficulties.
• Support the school’s effort to ensure homework is done properly and on time.

The school will therefore

• Issue a student planner to all students.
• Undertake to train students in the effective use of this diary in PSE Lessons and monitor usage regularly.
• Ensure that every department issues students with clear homework guidelines related to the key principles.

The guidelines will contain information on the 

• nature and purpose of homework tasks
• amount of time to be spent per week
• frequency per week/term
• Nature of feedback on homework activities.

The teachers of James Gillespie’s High School

Regard the provision of homework as a service to our students. We believe that completion of homework will improve student learning.

We are also of the view that punishment for homework not done is largely ineffective, takes up valuable staff time and leads to students becoming over dependent and failing to take responsibility for their own learning.

When homework is issued a date of return will be clearly indicated. If this deadline is not met students:

• May, at the teacher’s discretion, be given an extension.
• If not, they will be informed the work will not be marked.
• This will be recorded.
• If this happens twice parents will be informed by departmental letter.
• If there is no improvement, parents will receive a letter from the Year Head.
• Thereafter, parents will receive one further letter, from the Year Head clearly indicating the school’s position.

This home study policy has been designed to clarify the homework situation at Gillespie’s. We want students to make the most of their time here, realise their capabilities and enjoy themselves. With your help we hope we can attain these goals.

Notes for Staff on the Use of Student Planners

On Issue

•            Help students to fill in timetable correctly.

•            Encourage students to enter dates into their diaries from the school calendar.

•            Tell students they should always enter homework on the date it is due.   Discuss reasons for this and importance of planning ahead.

•            Always use the school-agreed format for entering homework, i.e.

            Date due - 4.9.01

            English:  Read pp. 14 - 20, answer Qs. 1 - 8.

•            Discuss abbreviations, e.g. p. pp. Q. Ex.

•            Discuss how to use the diary for packing bags and ensuring homework is complete.

•            Remind class that the code of conduct says, “take out books, equipment and Student Planner.”

Throughout the year

•            Insist students follow the code of conduct by always asking them to take out Student Planner.

•            Write homework on the board in agreed format in plenty of time for students to note it down.

•            Check students know on which date it the homework should be entered.