Homework Policy
WESTWOOD HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Homework is a necessary adjunct to classroom teaching and is assigned regularly to support students’ learning. It aims to enable students to apply and consolidate knowledge and skills learnt in class, receive timely feedback for improvement, and develop responsibility for independent study by strengthening good habits such as time management and self-evaluation. Homework also allows teachers to check students’ understanding and progress, review the effectiveness of lessons, and provide timely feedback, intervention, and support, while keeping parents informed of their child’s learning progress and offering opportunities for greater involvement.
The amount and type of homework vary by subject, level, and stream, guided by curriculum needs and students’ readiness. As a general guideline, lower secondary students can expect approximately 13 hours of homework per week, while upper secondary students can expect approximately 14 hours of homework per week. The school is committed to assigning purposeful and clearly defined homework, coordinating across subjects to manage workload, reducing homework during peak periods, and limiting daily screen use for homework to under two hours.
Roles of the School
The School Management Committee and teachers will work together to review the homework guidelines and to support students with homework strategies and interventions. The school will engage parents on homework matters and provide them with information pertaining to their child’s learning progress.
Roles of Students
Students are to take ownership of their learning and understand the purpose of homework. Each student is responsible for keeping track of homework instructions and deadlines using their Google Calendar and Tasks. They should manage their time effectively to ensure homework is completed and submitted on time, and always put in their best effort. Upon receiving feedback from teachers, students should review the comments carefully and take appropriate follow-up actions to improve their work.
Roles of Parents
Parents are encouraged to create a home environment conducive for studying and completion of homework, to reinforce good study habits and attitudes in support of their child’s learning. Parents can work in partnership with teachers to discuss and be better informed of their child’s learning and development.