Homework Policy

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Foundation Phase

Grade one and two children should not have to spend more than 25 minutes on homework each day. The grade three children may need to spend slightly longer on their homework tasks.

Parents are expected to check that all homework assignments are completed and that the reading record book or the homework diary is signed daily.

Grade One    
Reading:   Children have to do reading from their class readers each day. In addition, they also have reading from their “box books”.
Sight Words:   The sight words need to be revised on a daily basis.
     
Grade Two    
Reading:   Children have to do reading from their class readers each day. In addition, they also have reading from their “box books”.
Phonics:   Children need to revise the weekly phonics words.
     
Grade Three    
Reading:   Children have to do reading from their class readers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Lees:   Children have to read from their class readers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Spelling & Spel:   The spelling and spel lists are to be revised on a daily basis.
Oral/Research:   Children need to prepare for these tasks. (At least a week’s notice is given to the children.)

Rhenish Primary Student        Rhenish Primary Student



Intermediate and Senior Phase:

General

  • Every learner must have a homework diary.
  • Homework is an important aspect of the learner’s education.
  • It is revision and consolidation of work previously done in class.
  • It should not be new or unfamiliar work.


Purpose of homework

  • To provide essential practice in strengthening needed skills.
  • To allow revision and consolidation of work previously done in class.
  • To complete work, or an exercise explained and started in class.
  • To prepare learner for the following day’s lesson i.e. reading ahead in the content subjects.
  • To develop independent study habits, responsibility and self- direction.
  • To prepare for tests.
  • To help the child develop “Time Management” i.e. to budget his / her time.
  • To bring the child into contact with “out of school” reference material.


Classwork or homework not done

  • If a learner has not kept up with the work in class it will have to be done at home in addition to the set homework.
  • If homework has not been completed a note must be entered into the homework diary and learners must ensure that parents sign the entry.
  • If homework is repeatedly not done, (the number of times is left to the discretion of the educator), the learner should be sent to Detention.


Amount of time allocated to homework

  • Homework is not set over a weekend UNLESS the learner/s or class has not been pulling their weight during the week or final lesson of the week.


Grade four learners

  • They should not receive more than 40 minutes of homework per day.
  • English and Mathematics (10 minutes each per day).
  • Afrikaans, Xhosa, Natural Science, Social Sciences (History), Social Sciences (Geography), Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation. (15 minutes each per week).


Grade five learners

  • They should not receive more than 50 minutes of homework per day.
  • English and Mathematics (15 minutes each per day).
  • Afrikaans, Xhosa, Natural Science, Social Sciences (History), Social Sciences (Geography), Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation. (15 minutes each per week).


Grade six learners

  • They should not receive more than an hour of homework per day.
  • English and Mathematics (15 minutes each per day).
  • Afrikaans, Xhosa, Natural Science, Social Sciences (History), Social Sciences (Geography), Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation.(20 minutes each per week).


Grade seven learners

  • They should not receive more than an hour of homework per day.
  • English and Mathematics (15 minutes each per day).
  • Afrikaans, Xhosa, Natural Science, Social Sciences (History), Social Sciences (Geography), Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation. (20 minutes each per week).


Pre-test days

  • No homework is usually set the day prior to a test being written, as revision should be done by the learners.


Projects and assignments

  • The learners are given written instructions as to what is required for projects/assignments.
  • The learners are given the “rubric” before they start their project/assignment.
  • The core of the work should be done in class and not at home.
  • Guidance and the rough draft should be done in class.
  • Only the final, neat product may be done for homework.


Guidelines for Parents with Regards to Homework

Parents can assist their child by:

  • Providing reasonably good physical conditions for study, in good light and free from interference. (e.g. a desk in the bedroom away from others, radio and TV.)
  • A set routine. No excuses or procrastination should be permitted.
  • Giving the child stimulation of sincere interest without nagging or extreme pressure (firm but reasonable!)
  • Making an effort to know the educator and by communicating regularly with him/her through diary or personally.
  • Being supportive of the educator and the school in front of the child.
  • Helping the child obtain the necessary reference materials, whether this means providing them in the home itself or providing the necessary transportation to and from the public library.
  • Never do the homework or project work for the child. e.g. If he/she does not understand a mathematics sum, don't do that sum, do a similar one. The child will never learn or develop skills and abilities if work is not done by him/herself.
  • Check to see that your child has done all the homework set but don't correct it, as then the educator will not know when your child needs help.