2024 TPPS Homework Policy

8 February 2024

2024 Homework Policy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I would like to share Tampines Primary’s homework policy so that we can work together to ensure that your child is clear about the work that needs to be done and how (s)he can be best supported.

Why is homework important?

Homework has immediate as well as long-term benefits for students.

Immediate Benefits

Students will

have opportunity to practise the skills taught
be able to process the information learnt
be encouraged to learn outside the classroom

resulting in overall better understanding of learning and mastery of skills.

Long-Term Benefits

Students will

practise self-discipline and time management
be more inquisitive
be more independent
be better problem solvers

resulting in the formation of good study habits as well as improving their attitude towards school.

Parents’ Role

Parents are important partners in their children’s education. Since there is a clear link between good homework performance and overall student performance, parents play a critical part in ensuring successful completion of students’ homework. Parents can do the following to help their children:

spend time to talk about their daily school activities/experiences
assist them in establishing a good pattern of study
guide them to set aside a regular study time
have a study area away from household distraction(s)

Students’ Role

To ensure effectiveness of homework, students should do the following:

have a home study timetable
have sufficient study materials to do their homework
organise their school materials: study notes, assignments, books, papers, etc.
make sure they understand all the given assignments
ask questions, if necessary
seek help from classmates, friends or teachers if they face any difficulty.

General Guidelines on Homework

Level	General Guidelines
Primary 1 and 2	Daily reading for enjoyment Either English Language, Mathematics and/or Mother Tongue Language homework About 0.5 to 1 hour in total every weekday
Primary 3 and 4	Daily reading for enjoyment English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language homework About 1 to 1.5 hours in total every weekday
Primary 5 and 6	English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language homework About 1.5 to 2 hours in total every weekday
Primary 5 and 6 Foundation	Foundation English Language, Foundation Mathematics, Foundation Science and Foundation Mother Tongue Language homework About 1 to 1.5 hours in total every weekday

Note: P6 students may have more homework as they progress towards PSLE.

Students who are unable to finish the work set in class will also need to complete it at home. They may also do corrections as part of their homework. In addition, teachers may ask the students to do some journal writing, reading (fiction and non-fiction), Music and Art. In the course of the year, students may also need to do some research as part of their homework for their group/class projects. There may be some homework set over the weekends and school holidays depending on the needs of the class.

These are general guidelines for reference and may be differentiated to meet the needs and interests of different students.

In 2024, for classes with spelling, Mother Tongue spelling will be conducted on Wednesdays (P3 & P4) or Thursdays (P1, P2, P5 & P6) and English spelling will be on any of the other weekdays. If there is a public or school holiday, spelling will be postponed to the next school day. Homework to be given for the day will be clearly written on the class whiteboards. Teachers will remind students to note the homework in their diaries.

Teachers will not be setting assessment practice for the students on a regular basis. Assessment practice is only useful when students are going to sit for coming examinations. The aim of learning and homework extends beyond examination practice. If there is any need for tests, these will be spaced out and be set on different days. Please help your child by making sure that homework is done before tuition work. If you want your child to learn, do not do the work for him/her. Help us to guide your child to good study habits.

It is useful and important for all parents to ensure that their children check their student diaries daily so as to be updated regarding school matters or homework set. Children sometimes take a long time over their homework not because of a lack of understanding but because they are unable to remain focused and disciplined.

With close partnership between school and home, students will learn to note down work that needs to be done and learn the life-skill of being self-disciplined regarding work. We look forward to a meaningful year, working hand-in-hand with you to nurture our students’ potential.

Yours in partnership,

Mrs Lay See Neufeld

Principal

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