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i m p a s se Ju l e s G r o s , O a si s , 2 0 4 1 0
C a sa b l a n c a , M o r o c co
Tel: +212 (0)5 22 99 39 87
Email: info@ism-c.ma

ISM HOMEWORK POLICY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline to pupils, parents/carers and school staff of The
International School of Morocco the expectations for homework and at-home learning.

SCOPE

This policy applies to pupils in all year levels and the staff responsible for setting and
monitoring homework at the ISM.

DEFINITIONS

Homework refers to tasks assigned to pupils by teachers that are meant to be carried out
during non-school hours.

RATIONALE

The ISM has developed this Homework Policy to support student learning and wellbeing
by:
• Providing opportunities for pupils to revise and reinforce newly acquired skills
• Providing opportunities for pupils to apply new knowledge
• Providing opportunities for pupils to prepare for future lessons
• Encouraging pupils to enrich or extend knowledge individually, collectively, and
imaginatively
• Fostering good lifelong learning and study habits
• Supporting learning partnerships with parents/carers.


POLICY:

The ISM acknowledges that homework should be tailored and adapted to suit the personal
and developmental needs of pupils. Teachers at the ISM are encouraged to exercise their
discretion in assigning tasks that are both appropriate and meaningful to their pupils.
At ISM, homework is given as a part of the learning process and is dependent on
individual learning needs. If a student needs additional support beyond homework, parents
will be informed. The teacher will advise parents about the needed support and effective
strategies for learning.
Specific homework tasks will not be given daily. Examples of homework include practice
exercises such as spelling, project work, maths tasks and, where appropriate, extension
tasks. This list is not exhaustive. Pupils are generally not expected to complete more than
20-30 minutes of homework per day and no homework tasks will be assigned over the
weekends or during the holidays.
Pupils should be reading every day. Reading includes any of the following: independent
reading, shared reading, parent read-a-loud and listening to readings. Homework may
come from any class, including specialist teachers.

Shared expectations and responsibilities:

Homework is a shared responsibility between the school, teachers, pupils, and their
parents/carers. To get the most out of homework tasks, it is important that everyone
understands their obligations and responsibilities.

Aims and Objectives:

• Homework should be a meaningful learning tool for each pupil

• Homework is given to reinforce, prepare for or revise learning through practice,
research and inquiry
• Homework should be differentiated based on pupil skills
• Homework should be able to be completed independently
• Homework is given to develop good study habits
• Daily reading is seen as an essential part of homework in all year levels
• Homework should allow enough time for pupils to still rest, play and explore their
own interests

 3 i m p a s se Ju l e s G r o s , O a si s , 2 0 4 1 0
C a sa b l a n c a , M o r o c co
Tel: +212 (0)5 22 99 39 87
Email: info@ism-c.ma

Responsibilities and expectations for pupils at the ISM are:

• Being aware of the school’s homework policy

• Discussing homework expectations with their parents/carers and teachers
• Accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time
frames; if this is not possible, a note should be given to the teacher explaining why
it was not finished
• Following up on comments made by teachers
• Seeking assistance when difficulties arise
• Organising their time to manage home obligations, participation in physical activity
and sports, recreational and cultural activities.


Responsibilities and expectations for teachers at the ISM are to:

• Make sure that homework is communicated clearly to parents if needed using the
method communicated to parents at the beginning of the year.
• Set homework that is curriculum-aligned and appropriate to the pupil’s skill level
and age
• Ensure homework tasks are purposeful – this means they are deliberately designed
and planned to support pupil learning (homework is not intended to be ‘busy work’
or simply a chance to ‘finish off’ work the pupil did/could not complete in class)
• Assess homework and provide timely and practical feedback to pupils and/or
parents
• Teachers may give tasks that need to be completed over a period of days.
• Teachers should instruct pupils in proper citation (in alignment with the pupil’s skill
level) for research.


Responsibilities and expectations for parents/carers are:

• Check if homework is given

• Set a time and a quiet study area to complete homework tasks
• Have basic stationery supplies on hand such as pencil, eraser, ruler and glue for
Pupils to use.
• Let the student do the work and check for understanding
• Send a note or talk to teachers about any concerns they have about the homework
if the student is struggling with a concept
• Listen to children read on a regular basis
• Help develop their child’s love of books and learning
• Show an interest and discuss children's homework and schoolwork


Incomplete homework:

• When Pupils have difficulty completing a piece of homework that they do not
understand, they should approach the teacher for help the following day. Additional
explanation will be given and extra time may be provided by the teacher for
completion
• Pupils who fail to produce homework (incomplete or not turned in) will be required
to complete homework during their playtimes. If this persists a meeting will be
arranged with parents to discuss next steps.

Support for pupils, parents and carers

Teachers at the ISM understand that pupils have different learning styles and interests and
may approach learning activities and homework differently. If you are concerned that your
child may not understand the homework tasks that have been set for him or her or is
spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage you to speak to
their classroom teachers.

Staff Review: November 2021

Next Review: August 2023