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The purpose of homework is to reinforce the skills taught during the day and to provide
extended activities to facilitate the application of newly acquired knowledge. Homework
provides students with the opportunity to develop their study skills and their individual
responsibility for task completion. Homework assignments are taken very seriously; they are
often graded and reflected in the student’s overall achievement at school. Students at VIS
should anticipate homework and organize their after-school timetables to facilitate their work.
Guidelines for homework assignments are as follows:
Primary
Homework assigned to Primary students is designed to practice and reinforce what the child is
learning, particularly by reading with parents, to develop study skills and a sense of
responsibility for one's own learning. Homework assignments also provide opportunities for
the child to apply and creatively explore and manipulate what he or she is learning in the
classroom. Students in Grade 2 and Grade 3 can expect homework to take between 10 and 15
minutes per day. Grade 4 and Grade 5 students can expect 20 or 30 minutes of homework
daily.
Middle School
In Grades 6 and 7 homework and individual study, on average, should take approximately one
to one and a half (1 - 1 ½) hours per day. This is based on expecting regular assignments in
these subjects: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and a Foreign Language (or a
mother tongue language for some students). This average will vary day to day and by student.
The purposes of homework at this level are to practice and reinforce what the child is
learning; to apply, creatively explore, and manipulate what is learned in class; and especially
to develop stronger study habits, time management and organizational skills.
To support these purposes, projects and reports may require planned work for periods
extending over several weeks. Assigned activities may also include completion of work
begun in class, reading, organizing and preparing for the next school day; reading and using
newspapers, magazines, novels, the Internet and other media; and discussions with parents
and others about world events and "real-life" problems.
In Grade 8 homework and individual study, on average, should take approximately one and a
half hours to two (1 ½ - 2) hours per day.
High School
In Grades 9-12, two hours per day would be an expected average. Again, this time will vary
day to day and by student, and longer-term assignments will require time management. Major
purposes of homework at these levels are to continue to develop independent study habits,
time management and organizational skills which will be essential in tertiary study; and to
extend, continue and reinforce learning started in the classroom – at this level successful
completion of homework assignments is clearly related to academic achievement.
In addition to reading, organizing and preparing for the next school day, homework will
include individual or group research or projects and use of a variety of media.
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Curriculums 
