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Schools reminded on homework and test policy
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The Education Department considers it very important that learning in school should be a pleasant and rewarding experience and that no student should receive undue pressure from excessive homework and tests, a department spokesman said today (Sunday).
The spokesman said the department has been issuing a series of circulars on the teaching of school subjects and on homework and tests in school to obtain teachers' support and co-operation.
Updated guidelines and a circular issued this week by the department reiterated that homework should be properly designed and regulated and that assignments should be reasonably balanced in terms of quantity.
School heads are also reminded of their responsibility in supervising and regulating the type, frequency and amount of homework set for each class.
"In view of the wide variation in pupils' learning needs, abilities and home environment, there are no hard-and-fast rules about the frequency, amount and type of homework which should be set at each class level," the guidelines stated.
"This is a matter on which teachers are expected to exercise professional judgement and common sense,
"However, it is important that each school should have a written homework policy drawn up in consultation with teaching staff."
Education Department area staff will advise and assist schools in drawing up the homework and test policy.
During visits to schools, these officers will note the action taken. The written homework and test policy should be made available to these officers upon request.
The department's subject inspectors during school visits will also offer professional help with the quality and frequency of homework.
Schools are advised that frequency of assignments will be best controlled by a homework time-table which will ensure an even spread of homework over the week or teaching cycle and a balanced coverage of subjects.