Definitions and Purpose
Homework has as its purpose the reinforcement of concepts acquired during the lessons of the day. It typically includes drill, practice and recollection. A student should be able to complete homework on his/her own. Examples would include math problems, vocabulary exercises, workbook exercises, and journals.

Assignment has as its purpose the extension of acquired learning. It might apply acquired knowledge to a new situation, or synthesize a series of lessons/concepts into a whole. It should provide the student with choice and the opportunity for divergent and lateral thinking, and for substantiated, personal opinion. Examples would include geometry constructions, essays, collages, map work, and oral presentations. It might also include preparatory work such as a reading assignment.

Project has a similar purpose to the assignment, but on a larger scale. It should extend learning to a new situation and/or consolidate a series of learning. It should include a lesson(s) on planning and reflecting; it often includes group activities and whole class projects. Regardless, it should be within the capacity of the student. Examples are varied and should include a variety of means of demonstrating knowledge.

Studying is specific to the review of skills/knowledge relative to a test or lab. Students should understand the objectives, by priority that needs to be mastered. In an ideal situation, a student would review previous learning on a nightly basis, rather than waiting for an intensive review before a specific test.

 

Time
Amount – In Cycle I, students should be prepared for 60-90 minutes of homework at night. In Cycle II, students should be prepared for 90-150 minutes of homework at night. In Cycle II, during restricted days (the last 5 school days of each term), students should be prepared for an increase in the amount of study required each night.

Notice – Projects should be assigned near the beginning of the term and students given the bulk of the term to complete the project. Students should have at least two evenings to study for term tests and prepare assignments.

Major Holidays – Homework should not be assigned. Projects and assignments should be given two weeks prior to and should not be due until one (1) week after the break.

Religious Holidays – teachers should consult our school calendar for religious Holidays that prevent students from studying and completing assignments during that period of time.

Weekends – It is reasonable to expect students to have one evening of work over the weekend.
 

Responsibilities

	Students
	To keep their parents informed as to the work assigned for home.
	To ask the teacher for clarification, if required, before taking the work home.
	To complete the required work in a manner of excellence.
	To remit all work faithfully and on time.
	To inquire about and complete work missed during absences.

	Teachers
	To write homework on the board.
	To insist that students copy homework into the agenda.
	To spot check to see that homework has been done.

	Parents
	To inform themselves by checking and signing the agenda and project outlines (Cycle I).
	To provide a time and a place for homework.
	To provide support and encouragement.
	To verify that the work has been completed.
	To contact the teacher with concerns or questions.
	To remind students after absences to verify work missed and catch up.

Exceptional Circumstances

	School Sponsored Activities   The staff should provide an outline of work before the event. The school should be flexible with respect to assignment, project deadlines, and with respect to tests. These students should be allowed a reasonable amount of time to catch up. The students are responsible for all work missed. They should inquire before the trip as to what will be covered in their absence and seek help if and when puzzled by said work. The parents should verify that students inquire as to the work that will be missed and to see that it is done.
	Athletic Events/Professional Activities – National & Provincial Athletes The parents should provide the school with a calendar of events as soon as possible. It may be necessary for the parents to engage a tutor should the absences be of a regular nature. This tutor should communicate with the classroom teachers. The students are expected to meet all the expectations of the course(s) and to inquire constantly with respect to material missed. The staff should provide an outline of work before the event. The staff should be flexible with respect to assignments, project deadlines, and with respect to tests. These students should be allowed a reasonable amount of time to catch up.
	Family Vacations The parent should provide the school with a calendar as soon as possible. The students are responsible for all work missed. They should inquire a week before the trip as to what will be covered in their absence.   The staff should provide an outline of work before the vacation. The staff should be flexible with respect to assignments, project deadlines, and with respect to tests. These students should be allowed a reasonable amount of time to catch up.