Homework and study policy
Homework is designed to meet the following purposes:
- Reinforce and strengthen concepts taught in class.
- Complete unfinished class work.
- Review and practise previous learning.
- Develop independent study skills and work habits.
- Develop responsibility and good time management.
- Enhance academic achievement.
Minimum guideline times for homework
The following table provides guidelines for the minimum amount of time that should be spent on homework/study per night.| First year | 1 hour |
| Second year | |
| Third year | |
| B1/B2 | 2.5 hours |
| Fifth year | 3 hours |
| Sixth year |
Some study hints
Studying is a deliberate form of learning in which a pupil attempts to obtain specific answers to specific questions. It involves reading with a purpose.
Organisation and routine of study
| Establish a Definite Routine: If possible try to study at the same time in the same place every day. Keep temptation away. Get used to a quiet environment without the distraction of friends, music, mobile phones television etc. They won't be with you in the exam hall. |
| Time Management: Study for the duration of 40/50 minutes before taking a break. Better to study regularly and in these time sessions than to cram at the end. Cramming coming up to exams causes extreme tiredness and is a major cause of "exam blank". Follow up with 10 minutes of review at the end. |
| Study Questions: Write down 2 or 3 study questions on a blank sheet of paper before you read your books. These are the questions that you want answered in your subject over the next 40/50 minutes. In this way, a purpose and a framework for your study session is established and the material will be processed more deeply. |
| Summarise: When reading your books, summarise key points which are relevant to your study questions. Putting material into your own words increases your understanding of it to a greater extent. Don't transcribe. |
| Reward: At the end of each study session, give yourself a little reward, e.g. a T.V. break for a few minutes. Gradually as the studying begins to be associated with the reward, the study session itself becomes more enjoyable. |
| Feedback: Frequent revision and regular feedback (e.g. tests in class) help to consolidate and develop your learning. Try to do some exam questions against the clock under exam-like conditions (quiet place, no notes, 40/50 minutes). |
