Homework should always be done carefully and handed in on time.

Homework Diaries

All pupils are issued with homework diaries which must be carried at all times. As well as listing all homework, the diary should be used to show test dates/exam dates and results. Pupils will be given time in class to enter homework in their diaries.

Notice of Homework

Teachers will usually give at least 4 days notice for homework to be completed, or it will be given regularly so that pupils expect it. When homework for the next day is given, it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete. However, “next day” homework is not to be recommended with any kind of frequency.

Study Skills and Revision

In S1, pupils are given an introductory course on study skills and how to make the most of their study and revision time. These skills are developed as pupils progress through school and teachers will advise on the most effective ways to revise each subject.

Further information on different study techniques- mind mapping, mnemonics, flashcards, colour-coding - is available in the S3/S4 Study Skills Booklet. Click here.

Pupils are encouraged to plan their own revision as far as possible. Planning sheets are available to help pupils organise their time effectively. Click here if you would like to use these and print a copy. Within two weeks of the examinations, routine homework will not be given, however tasks to help with revision may be given. Many departments issue revision notes to pupils and past papers are available.

Time spent doing Homework

Departments have been asked to estimate the time needed for homework. In S1 and S2 some courses require little homework, but Standard Grade courses in S3/4 and Higher Grade courses in S5/6 require a considerable amount of work to be done at home. The following are maximum times: the average time spent will be less than this but should be over 50% of these estimates.

S1/S2 : 4 hours per week (approximately 20 minutes per subject).
S3/S4 : 8 hours per week (approximately 1 hour per subject).
S5/S6 : 12½ hours per week (approximately 2½ hours per subject).

Folios/Investigations etc

Some SQA courses require additional time to be spent on folios etc. Information on the deadlines for completing the various stages, will be issued to pupils at the start of the course.

Plagiarism

With the wealth of information now available via the net and other media, it is important that pupils are aware that they must never copy anything directly from another source – the web or another student. All work must be their own. Regarding the SQA, any work that is deemed not to be the candidate’s own work will result in an Investigation involving the school, teachers, parents and candidates. If as a result of the Investigation it is found that the SQA’s guidelines have been broken, the SQA will apply a penalty. This might be that the candidate is issued with a warning, a reduced award, no award in one subject or no award in all the candidate’s subjects for that year.

Problems with Homework

Any pupil who has difficulty in coping with homework must let his/her Guidance Teacher know as soon as possible. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any questions about homework. Similarly, the school will contact parents if there appears to be a problem with homework.

Preparing for Exams

The school has published a booklet on “Preparing for Exams” which has been very well received. Spare copies are available from the school office.