SAJC Homework Policy

Homework, when used appropriately, can reinforce students’ learning, provide feedback on their progress and cultivate a healthy disposition towards continual learning. 

While homework can be beneficial, excessive homework can have an adverse impact on students’ holistic development and well-being, and can also negatively affect their motivation for learning. Therefore, the amount of homework is carefully calibrated and outlined in this document.  

Definition of Homework

Homework refers to any learning activity that schools require students to complete outside of curriculum time, regardless of the mode of delivery (i.e. pen-and-paper, virtual/ online).  This includes assignments and projects and excludes revision of school work, studying for tests and examinations or watching lecture videos. 

Roles & Responsibilities

Teachers should:

1. Design homework assignments that are purposeful, relevant to class instruction, and encourage critical thinking.

2. Ensure homework instructions are clear and concise so students fully understand expectations.

3. Consider students' age, abilities, and developmental readiness when assigning homework.

4. Differentiate homework, where possible, to cater to diverse learning needs and abilities.

5. Provide prompt and effective feedback on homework, including interventions and support as needed.

6. Carefully manage the amount of homework to avoid negatively impacting students' well-being and motivation.

7. Take into account students' overall workload, including CCA, competitions, and assessments, when assigning homework.

8. Ensure homework hours fall within the recommended time norms, considering individual student abilities. For students who require more time to complete assignments, teachers should exercise flexibility, provide appropriate assistance, and engage in conversations with parents where necessary.

Students should:

1. Engage deeply with homework to understand core concepts, proactively seek clarification from various resources when facing difficulties, and consistently ask questions to solidify their understanding.

2. Carefully review teacher feedback to identify areas for improvement and apply those insights to future assignments, seeking clarification when needed and reflecting on the feedback.

3. Use digital tools and resources ethically and responsibly when completing homework, ensuring academic integrity and minimising distractions.

4. Proactively communicate with their teachers and request for homework deadline extensions during busy periods, fostering responsibility and time management skills.

5. Strive to maintain a healthy balance between academic work and personal well-being, ensuring adequate rest and recreational activities.

Parents should:

1. Be mindful of the stresses arising from school homework and out-of-school activities, and help their children prioritise their time among these activities; and

2. Work in partnership with the school and teachers to support their children’s learning and development. This includes communicating any concerns about their children's ability to manage the workload and collaborating with the school to develop effective strategies for their children's success.

Guidelines for Homework during School Term and Holidays

Homework hours are calibrated to fall within the recommended time norms, in recognition of the varying abilities among students.

Approximate Weekly and Daily Time Norms for Homework During School Term

In the context of Home-Based Learning (HBL) days, the recommended number of hours for curriculum coverage per day (i.e. 4 – 5 hours for JC/CI) includes time for completion of homework. 

School holidays are meant for students to take a break from formal learning and they should therefore not be given excessive homework.  For school holidays, the daily homework load will not be more than 50% of the daily load given during the school week.