Year 7 Homework (Home Study) Program

Rationale:

KHS Year 7 students need to become organized and skilled in student centred home learning. To quote the recent Annual School Report in regard to responses from the Parent Survey, 'Homework was an area of concern, some homework each night developed good study habits and was very desirable.'

The student's understanding of various subject courses and their performance in tasks and exams can be enhanced and improved by a formalized Home Study Program. Development of positive student attitudes to learning requires more participation and significance through discussion and negotiation, student self-regulation also promotes quality learning

Year 7 students need to be engaged in home study tasks which are more student centred, based on the 'Quality Teaching Model' and have emphasis on the use of technology (ICT) for learning, research and producing work of high quality. The program could be linked to focus areas of Year 7 courses for internal assessments and contain literacy and numeracy components necessary for the needs of students.

Student Outcome Objectives:

1. Improve the level of student's Intellectual Quality needed to gain a deep understanding of Year 7 subject courses.
2. Improve student results in internal assessment and academic competitions.
3. Promote student centred learning, home study and organization skills.
4. Improve student levels of literacy and numeracy.
5. Develop student discussion, negotiation and goal setting skills.
6. Foster student use of technology in learning and producing work of high quality.

Program Outline:

The Year 7 Home Study Program takes the form of a matrix of engaging homework tasks that relate to the focus areas currently being learnt in various classes and might also be used as preparation for assessment tasks and exams. The work matrix is online and accessible for students and teachers. The program could possibly be used as an 'ongoing' assessment task to add value and significance to the student's work efforts over and above the projected improvements expected in student learning outcomes.

The tasks cater for a variety of learning styles. They will also include teacher/student negotiated rules for completing the tasks and assessing them. Student's background and cultural knowledge can be incorporated into tasks when appropriate and relevant. High expectations for quality and presentation of student work is clearly stated to students.

Student's work will be completed at semester intervals. Input from teachers, parents and students will be valued and incorporated into the program when and where improvements are necessary

Mr. K.M. Hasanic - Program Coordinator
Mr. S. Alexander - Web Design