At LEH International School Foshan, we understand the significant role homework plays in reinforcing classroom learning and fostering independent study skills. By integrating homework into our curriculum, we aim to extend and enrich our students' educational experience.
In this article, we invite Ms Bateman, our Head of the Prep School, to share how our Prep School approaches homework to maximise its benefits:
Time Allocation and Frequency
Our homework timetable is carefully designed to balance the academic workload effectively. On average, each subject requires about 20 minutes of homework. This means that if a student is assigned homework in three subjects, the total time spent would be approximately one hour. However, it's important to note that not every subject assigns homework daily. Our teachers know that homework is to extend learning not to apply something new so it will not always be given if it is not required. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring that our students have ample time for other essential activities.
Variety in Homework Types
At LEH Foshan, homework isn't just about traditional exercises. We encompass a range of activities including research projects, worksheets, art, craftwork, and even participatory events like Earth Day and Science Fair competitions. This variety not only keeps homework engaging but also caters to different learning styles.
We encourage parents to create a supportive environment for homework at home. While we appreciate parental help, our goal is for students to develop autonomy and independence in their learning. Our experienced teachers always know if the homework is completed by parents or students. Nurturing our students’ own abilities to tackle their assignments is a crucial part of their educational development.
Tailored Support
and Additional Learning
Additional Support
for English Learners
Understanding the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our students, we provide in-school support rather than assigning extra homework for those struggling with English. This approach ensures effective and targeted learning without overburdening students.
Our Homework Club is a supportive environment facilitated by teachers and teaching assistants. The club operates on a rotation basis with different teachers, ensuring comprehensive academic support. Students primarily focus on English study homework, while parents are encouraged to assist with Chinese subjects at home.
To keep up the academic progress during holidays, the school occasionally assigns interesting projects and specific learning goals. These are designed to be engaging and relevant, allowing students to delve deeper into subjects in an enjoyable way.
So, what about private tutoring?
Many parents are curious about the value of after-school tutoring. Ms Bateman shares her insights, saying, “This is a really difficult question to answer because there is never any harm in learning more, but not all tutoring aligns with the British National Curriculum or the teaching style we use at LEH Foshan. So it might often conflict with what a child is already learning in our school. We also know following many years of research that children need to play and enjoy things that make them smile and laugh, not just learn.”
At LEH Foshan Prep School, homework is more than just an academic task; it's a tool to enhance learning, foster independence, and prepare our students for future academic challenges. By implementing a structured, varied, and supportive homework system, we aim to cultivate a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
The Prep School at LEH Foshan is a diverse and inspiring community of young learners aged 6-10. We proudly offer an authentic British educational experience, underscored by our team of 100% British teachers. We encourage independent and creative thinking from a very young age fostering students into becoming globally minded leaders of tomorrow.
Enjoy the video and learn more about Prep School.
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