Prep

At St Paul’s we firmly believe that homework is an integral part of a student’s education. Through homework activities students are able to develop the kind of study habits that are essential for intellectual growth and academic achievement. For this reason homework is given and individual preparation encouraged, even at the earliest stages in a student’s time at St Paul’s. The amount of homework increases, in terms of both volume and complexity, as a student moves through the School.

Students are encouraged to manage their study programme through setting aside specific time in the evening to devote to homework. Years 9 and 10 would be expected to spend 90 minutes in prep each evening; students in Years 11, 12 and 13 would be expected to have prep for up to two hours each evening.

The type of homework varies, but consists of formal written work, preparation for class the next day, specified reading or revision. If, for some reason, homework has not been set in a particular subject, the opportunity can be taken to review work. Reading a novel or broader subject material are acceptable alternatives.

Assignments need careful planning and regular work is required. It is suggested that as soon as a student is given an assignment and its due date, they develop a plan to work on it for a given time each night. Making use of the full period from when the assignment is set, to when it is due, is the best way to avoid presenting hastily researched or overdue assignments.

To assist with the planning of their homework, all students are expected to use a diary. School diaries are issued via the School Shop. During each lesson they must write homework into the diary, and staff check that this is done.