Homework and Stationery
Homework is an integral element of learning, and it should be enjoyable. It should be completed in the evening of every instructional day, for it plays an important role in reinforcing and even anticipating, the work covered during lessons.
Every student in Years 7 to 11 inclusive is provided with a homework timetable, which is based on his or her general timetable of classes, in order to maintain strong temporal
and conceptual links with what has happened or will happen in class.
It is highly recommended that parents are continually aware of their children’s homework timetable, coursework and other project commitments. Parental help to ensure that sufficient time is set aside for homework and that there is a quiet place to study is of particular assistance in establishing good study habits.
The amount and nature of the homework will vary according to the age and year level of a student. The requirement increases as a student matures and progresses through the school. A guide to the minimum amount of time expected to be spent on regular homework tasks and individual study is given below.
Minimum Expected Homework
| School Years | Minimum Expected Homework |
|---|---|
| Years 7, 8 and 9 | 1h – 1h 30m each weekday evening |
| Years 10 and 11 | 1h 30m - 2 hours each weekday evening |
| Years 12 and 13 | 2 - 3 hours each weekday evening |
Students following IBDP/ IBCP courses in Years 12 and 13 will be expected to read around their subjects in depth and to review their subject assignments and topics daily. Prior reading, for example, can greatly increase the effectiveness of time spent in the classroom. Well thought out time management strategies, simple but thorough organisational skills, and vigorous, self motivated study habits are essential to positive achievement in the DP/ CP Programme. Study at DP/ CP level becomes progressively more autonomous and self directed, and should not simply be confined to that mandated by the teacher.
Increasingly, ARIS teachers are incorporating the practices of the 'flipped classroom', a contemporary pedagogy with extraordinary learning potential, and the independently-minded, self-directed student is key to its success. S/he will not succeed without conscientious homework. It is very rare that an experienced teacher encounters a novel excuse for failure to submit homework on time. Even if the excuse is amusing, the teacher has probably heard it before and is unlikely to be tolerant. Disciplinary measures may be taken at an early stage to discourage reoffending.
Stationery and Supplies
Before the start of the semester, parents are provided with a school supply list of materials required, according to the student’s Year Group.
Students are responsible for maintaining their textbooks in good condition and will be charged for any that are lost or damaged. At the end of each school year, and prior to a student’s final departure, a return form has to be completed.
It is recommended that students are equipped with black/blue rollerball pen/biro, pencils, sharpener, eraser, 30cm clear plastic ruler, ink pen, and a few highlighters, even though the majority of their work will be done digitally. Subject teachers may specify in more detail exactly what is required.