It is school policy that regular homework is given to the students which will slowly build in quantity as the students move towards their external examination courses. The type of homework given will vary depending on the nature of the subject area. All homework will be appropriate to the learning needs of the student and will either reinforce or extend class work; offer extension work opportunities to develop an individual’s learning; involve background reading or encourage the development of research skills and independent learning.

We will insist on high standards in respect to the completion of homework. Homework given in Year 7 and 8 will be in the region of 20 to 30 minutes per assignment with a daily maximum of one and a half hours. This will increase each year especially during the GCSE courses. We seek your help in ensuring that your son or daughter makes every attempt to complete their homework. However, should your son or daughter find that the work is far more demanding than the time indicated please stop them and advise the same to the teacher on either the homework sheet or in their Planner. Sometimes the youngsters either get ‘carried away’ or find a piece too difficult and require some extra input from the teacher, especially if they have not fully grasped a new concept. It is quality of learning that we seek through school work not quantity although it often takes time for the students to learn the important difference between the two.

A student who fails to hand in their homework, without a reasonable explanation, can expect a sanction to be introduced - typically a 30 minute make-up time during lunch period. If the problem persists and/or develops into a significant pattern of poor attitude towards homework an after school detention will be given and/or they may be asked to attend Homework Club. A homework schedule will be given to students in the first week of the new school year.

Student Planner
In order to help students organise themselves they will be provided with a Student Planner. It is our intention that the Planner becomes more than just a homework diary and ultimately it should become an important record for the student plus a two-way means of communication between school and home. It is hoped that students will take ownership and understand the importance of the Planner as a useful tool in managing their time; becoming a learning resource and a record of achievement.

The students are encouraged to take care of their Planners as they are a useful tool in their organisation. Students will be charged a fee of AED 40 for the replacement of lost or damaged Planners.

To develop the important role of the Planner in terms of communication, there will be a comment section for both parents and teacher. This section should be signed weekly by the Form Tutor, parent and the student.