Rationale
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It solidifies the content taught in class and teaches students the ability to work independently and manage their time effectively. It is essential to ensure that students are not overloaded, however, the habit of regular learning at home and working on tasks assigned should be developed.
Types of Home learning
The tasks assigned for home learning might include:
Written assignments Preparation for tests and exams Researching a project Reading in preparation for a lesson Reading a book or an assigned text Learning a poem by heart for the language lessons Completing work that the student has failed to complete during the lesson Practising skills needed for playing sports, musical instruments or drawing Practising for a performance Individual tasks in the instances when a student needs catch-up or extension work. Amount of Homework
Grades 0 - 2
Students in Grades 0-2 should receive tasks for home learning at the end of the week in the core subjects English, Maths, Science, Bulgarian.
The tasks assigned should not take longer than 60 minutes to complete.
The tasks assigned will be due one week after the set date, allowing for completion during the weekend if desired. Grades 3 - 4
Students in grades 3 and 4 will receive tasks for home learning in each core subject (English, Maths, Bulgarian, Science with Man and Nature included, Man and Society). The tasks assigned should take no longer that 120 minutes to complete. The tasks assigned will be due one week after the set date, allowing for completion during the weekend if desired.
Student Expectations
Students need to understand that tasks assigned for home learning are a natural continuation of what they have studied in class, and that the independent preparation at home helps them perform better in school. Students need to try to do their best while working on the assigned homework. Students need to record their homework and make good organisation to do it well and on time. Homework should be neat, well-organised and checked by the student prior to being handed i n . The student should make sure his/her homework is completed according to the requirements of the given task, meets the set criteria and has no technical or spelling mistakes. Students are expected to present their homework meeting the set deadlines. Missing a deadline should be an exception. If a student feels that he/she won't be able to meet the deadline, the respective teacher must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the set deadline. At the teacher’s discretion the deadline could be extended if the student provides sufficient justification for his/her inability to meet the deadline. In cases of incomplete homework it should be taken into consideration that this might be due to lack of knowledge/skills and the teacher should act accordingly and provide the necessary support for the student. The deadline should not be renegotiated if the student does not inform the teacher early enough about his/her inability to meet it.
Primary school students receive a sanction (Red Dojo) when they fail to submit their homework.
If students are absent due to an illness, their teacher must send the needed information to the parents through the Head of Stage and Reception (missed work, assigned tasks for home learning). The absent student should provide the completed work on the first day at school after the illness. Homework and behaviour are not interconnected and are separate. Homework is to be checked by the due deadline by the class or subject teacher. Any incomplete homework is sent to the parents/guardians and advised to complete within the next 2 school days (48 hours)
Monitoring
Homework for all students should be recorded clearly by the students - with clear instructions and due date. The students should either make a note of what the assignment is in their classwork notebook or in the respective resource (workbook).
Every Friday the Head of the respective stage emails the parents to inform them what the homework is. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor the assigned homework and support the school in ensuring homework is completed on time.
Parents are duly informed in all instances when the student consistently fails to complete tasks assigned for home learning. The class teachers/subject teacher sends an email through reception to the parents, clear copying the respective head of stage who will observe the homework being sent. If on the day of submission homework is not handed in and the deadline has not been met, then an email is sent to the parents through the school's official school platform – which is clear for the Head of School and Head of Primary to observe.
When a child is given additional material or work which is not completed in the classroom, or to ensure individual progress, then the teacher who has assigned the work informs the parents through reception, clear copying the head of stage with a note. This note states what has been assigned, what needs to be completed, and with a deadline. This is given by the teachers, including subject teachers, and agreed with the classmaster / Head of Stage, while informing the head of primary for any inaccuracies or incomplete work.
Timeline for a compulsory homework check by the teacher
On the day that the teachers receive homework from the child the teacher has until the next homework cycle to give and provide feedback to the children. Homework is checked by the relevant subject teacher and/or class teachers and they follow. Teachers may set additional homework, at their discretion, and may give alternative deadlines for work completion, depending on the amount and the specifics of homework (this may include student absences and other circumstances which do not allow the child or family to make sure that work is complete).
Feedback is given to the child with their remarks, including any grades (if applicable). This may be a verbal conversation or feedback in writing, depending on the task set. Homework is handed in to the teacher who has set the work. If there are instances of incomplete work then the procedure to inform parents in, the head of stage and head of primary through the school's official platform.
Electronic resources
St. George International School & Preschool understands that students may wish to carry out additional study outside of school. All students receive a CENTURY or IXL account which will allow them to complete additional studies if desired.