Homework

Homework is any schoolwork that takes place outwith formal classroom teaching. It can have a variety of purposes, including reinforcing class work, revision, any form of independent learning, assignment, or investigation, and exam preparation. Whatever its purpose there is no doubt that it is a critical factor in enabling pupils to achieve to their full potential. As each Department makes different demands on different pupils at different stages, it is difficult to be exact as to how much time each pupil should spend on homework. However, following extensive consultation with departments, a "recommended core" period of time for homework has been agreed for each year group.

The following times could serve as a guide as to how much a pupil could expect from any department in a week.

• S1: 30 minutes recommended core per department
• S2: 45 minutes recommended core per department
• S3: 45 minutes recommended core per department
• S4: 45 minutes recommended core per department + 1 hour flexibility (revision, exam prep, folios, investigations etc)
• S5: 2 hours+ per subject at Higher Grade

The S4 and S5+ time takes account of the demands of Standard Grade and Intermediate/Higher courses - most subjects include a project or folio which counts towards the final grade.

While a considerable amount of class time is devoted to these projects, much of the planning, research and preparation can be done at home.

This homework is not set by the teacher period by period in the normal way. Instead pupils work to target dates set by the teacher, and the pupils are issued with a calendar of target dates to help them plan their work over a longer period of time.

 

Planners / Diaries

All pupils at Doon Academy are issued with Homework Planners / Diaries and are given instructions on how to use them. While they are of obvious use to pupils and teachers, they are also of benefit to parents in keeping you informed about what your child is being asked to do at home and of important events in the school calendar. They will also give you the opportunity of working in partnership with the school in your child's education.

The pupils are instructed to maintain the Planners with the greatest care and bring them to school at all times. All homework tasks will be entered in the Planners. These will include not just written work but reading, revision, preparation for tests and enquiry tasks.

Older pupils will be encouraged to use them for planning and managing their study time. Your support is vital for the success of this scheme and for the benefits your child will receive by doing planned and regular homework. We would like you to look at the Planner regularly and discuss it with your son or daughter.

The Planner / Diary is a vital link in the Parent - School Partnership