McKinnon Secondary College

Homework / Homestudy

Home Study Policy

The McKinnon Secondary College Home Study Policy is the result of combined input from parents, teachers and students. It is overseen and finalised by the College Welfare Committee. 

Definition

Home study/homework can be defined as theoretical and practical work undertaken at home which relates to, consolidates, and supports work undertaken in school hours. This includes subject, test, and examination preparation, completion of set tasks, assignments, work requirements, revision and research and wider reading. 

Philosophy

McKinnon Secondary College views the setting and completion of Home Study as an integral part of the educational process. The College believes that this involvement reinforces and enriches the curriculum, encourages excellence, develops organisation and time management skills, and the capacity to assume self responsibility for learning. Students are encouraged to realise that high aspirations and consistent effort in school and home study maximise the likelihood of success. Home study should be overseen and supported by both parent and teacher groups. 

Development

For success at secondary level, balanced and consistent application is needed at school and at home The nature and amount of home study at each year level will vary according to individual age, learning needs and contexts. Students at junior levels are introduced to appropriate tasks, study techniques, and time management skills which form part of the structured 'Work Requirement' approach of the VCE. Sequential development of these skills assists preparation for the final senior years, when individual initiative and planning are particularly vital. A committed and motivated student will invest time and effort in home study, and develop and practice constructive work habits and organisational skills necessary for success beyond the school setting It is important that home study is balanced by hobby, social and sporting pursuits, in order to provide appropriately for individual interests, growth and relaxation. 

Guidelines

As a general weekly rule, the College suggests the following outline as approximate minimum guidelines: 

Years 7 and 8 - 5 hours per week

Years 9 and 10 - 10 hours per week 

Years 11 and 12 - 15 hours per week 

This could be divided into five sessions over the week, not necessarily each of the same length. An overview of more specific Learning Area and Year Level guidelines can be obtained on request from the relevant coordinators. It should be recognised that these are not hard and fast rules, given the individual differences between students and additional factors such as varying subject demands, other commitments or family responsibilities. 

Varying school and individual circumstances often necessitate the use of weekends, holidays or non-teaching periods for Home study; this is more usually the case with Year 11 and 12 levels. It is not anticipated that specific home study tasks will be set at junior levels over holiday periods. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that work is subsequently completed after all absences from scheduled classes. This includes absences due to illness, appointments, sporting commitments, religious or other holidays. The Principal and Year Level Coordinators may also determine different arrangements or tasks when unusual circumstances or the interests of a particular child are involved. 

Practice

Teachers and Learning Area Managers are responsible for overseeing the nature and frequency of appropriate home study tasks for students. Parents also share responsibility for encouraging maximum input and levels of performance: it is a joint effort between home and school. Students are encouraged to work towards their highest potential at each year level. This is achieved by consistent effort at home and at school across the whole school year, and home study is a major factor in determining success. 

Students are responsible for recording Home Study details in their compulsory school diaries and completing the tasks. Both parents and teachers share the additional responsibility for checking student diaries regularly to ensure they are being correctly used, to monitor and report on individual progress, and to provide enrichment and extension tasks where appropriate. This process is further monitored by Learning Area Managers and Year Level Coordinators who endeavour to ensure equitable and consistent Home Study/Study Skills programs. 

Teachers of the same subject at each year level are required to ensure that there is a consistent approach to the amount and type of home study tasks assigned to students. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that clear instructions regarding home study are given and that set tasks are regularly monitored and corrected. Staff should notify parents when home study tasks are frequently not attempted or incomplete. 

Information evenings will be held at the beginning of each year to outline and clarify the Home Study Policy. Both scheduled and informal Parent/Teacher interviews further support the overall process. 
 
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