Teaching and Learning

Academic Integrity Policy

KJS Mission & Vision

“Success for Every Child”

Our mission is to provide a joyful, supportive and stimulating learning environment where successful learners achieve through a wide range of learning opportunities and have positive wellbeing. They will learn with an attitude of respect for self, others and the environment and have increasing levels of agency to take action and make a positive difference in the world. Our children will be internationally-minded lifelong learners.

Our Philosophy

At Kowloon Junior School, we believe that academic integrity should serve as a guiding principle for our learners, within learning and teaching and within the learning community. We see it as strongly linked with a student’s agency and their choice to act in a responsible way once they have the skills and knowledge to do so. We commit ourselves to educate our community on what academic integrity is, how to act with integrity and how to take responsibility for the representation of their own, and others’ ideas. Teachers at KJS plan for age-appropriate teaching and learning opportunities that support our students in understanding that it is acceptable to use the ideas, words or work of others and we demonstrate caring and responsibility when we appropriately acknowledge this. We acknowledge that to create an ethos that genuinely supports academic integrity, all community members must have a shared definition of this and related terms. Expectations for academic integrity should be clearly explained to all community members and the consequences of not following these should be agreed.

Our Practice

The following are our aims for the school community. These practices will enable students to develop the skills needed to be academically honest and nurture the values that are the foundation of this.

For students:

• To learn the skills they need to locate and select information;
• To understand that inspiration from the ideas and creativity of others is a necessary and valuable part of learning;
• To understand the reasons why academic honesty is essential;
• To take responsibility for sharing where they find information, images and ideas and follow school expectations regarding citation and referencing (see Appendix); and
• To be principled when selecting images and to choose copyright-free images in preference to others.

For teachers:

• To model good practise in academic honesty for students whilst teaching and in presentations, for example by using copyright free sound and image files, and citing sources;
• To teach students to locate, select, paraphrase and summarise information;
• To understand the reasons why academic honesty is essential and explicitly teach these to the students;
• To establish clear, age-appropriate expectations about citation and referencing with students;
• To ensure that assessments do not allow for plagiarised work to meet expectations; and
• To acknowledge and respect the sources of classroom resources or curriculum documents shared or used in

For parents:

• To understand the reasons why academic honesty is essential;
• To support their children in demonstrating academic honesty in their learning at home; and
• To ensure that home learning is done by the child and not another

Procedures to deal with malpractice

Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with on a one to one basis with the aim of ensuring that the person involved can learn from their mistakes and move on positively without prejudicial treatment. In the unlikely case of cheating in a standardized test, the student will be accompanied by their parent in discussions to resolve the matter.

Appendix

Year group expectations for academic Integrity which have been developed in collaboration with staff.

Reference

Academic integrity. (2019). International Baccalaureate Organization, Retrieved from

https://resources.ibo.org/data/academic-integrity_9798d3b2-b75b-4940-9bb1-e33c6d541add/PRC-academic-integrity-en_237ee4dd-b989-426d-b031-d032f5bc8a08.pdf.

Academic Honesty Policy. (2018). Discovery College, Retrieved from

https://www.discovery.edu.hk/dcwebsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Academic-Honesty-Policy-1.pdf.

Beacon Hill Academic Honesty Policy. (2018). Beacon Hill, Retrieved from

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LMzewIBhugh7Y1uJfKkZVO4pYnpA4BXh/view.

Garza, C. (2014). Academic honesty – principles to practice. Retrieved from

https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/71f2f66b529f48a8a61223070887373a/academic-honesty.-principles- into-practice—celina-garza.pdf.

Policy Review:

1st draft – Library and SLT – 4th November 2019 2nd Draft – staff – November 27th

Final – Library and SLT

KJS Assessment Policy

Philosophy Statement

At KJS, assessment is central to our goal of supporting students in the development of knowledge, conceptual understanding and transferable skills. One of the main goals of assessment is to have practitioners and students who demonstrate assessment capability and parents and legal guardians who are informed about their child’s current learning targets and how best to support them in making progress. Assessment of all types provide evidence for the practitioner to make decisions, often in collaboration with the learner, about the next steps in the learning process. Effective assessment integrates assessment for, of, and as learning. Assessment practices should inform the learner, learning and teaching, the learning community. At KJS we aim to involve practitioners and students collaboratively in monitoring, documenting, measuring and reporting on learning. This collaboration in turn helps to develop our students as reflective thinkers who are increasingly able to identify their own strengths and areas for development, taking initiative and action to set and achieve personal targets. The KJS Assessment Policy is informed by and consistent with that of the IBO and accordingly, includes the model for ‘Integrating assessment.’

Integrated Assessment Culture at KJS:

We believe all stakeholders (learners, practitioners and guardians) need to be assessment capable and have a shared understanding of the purpose and value of assessment in both learning and teaching. It is important that stakeholders understand what is being assessed, the criteria for success, and the methods by which the assessment is made. This understanding will support learners in monitoring and regulating their own learning and as a result they will have greater success in school.

Assessment capable learners:

Students at KJS understand what they are learning , why they are learning it, what success looks like and how to achieve this. They are able to monitor their own progress, set learning targets and reflect on their learning. Students assessment capabilities are cultivated by their teachers and they are very much active participants in the assessment process.

Assessment capable learners:

• partner with teachers to select personal learning targets and success criteria
• understand where they are in their learning, their next steps and how to achieve this
• select tools and resources to guide their learning
• self-report on their achievements with increasing accuracy and confidence
• communicate their learning progress
• are developing metacognitive skills to reflect on their learning and to plan next steps
• seek feedback and recognise mistake making as learning opportunities

Assessment capable practitioners:

Assessment for, of and as learning is part of the dialogue and discussions our practitioners have on a regular basis at KJS. We define assessment capable practitioners as those who cultivate and encourage learners to be, and feel, accountable for their own progress.

Practitioners support learners to become self-regulated who self-assess, self-monitor and self-adjust their own learning. Assessment is part of the regular collaborative conversation as a way of finding out where learners are and their next steps. Practitioners think like assessors using learning engagements as opportunities to find out more about their learners and about their own teaching practices. They are knowledgeable about the curriculum, learners and effective pedagogical practices.

Assessment capable practitioners:

• know how to gather assessment information and communicate the information in ways that are supportive of student learning
• help students understand what success is: teachers share and co-construct understanding through the use of criteria/descriptors and exemplars
• use data and evidence to inform learning and teaching
• help students develop their metacognitive skills to effectively evaluate their own work
• help students to develop strategies to modify and monitor their own work.
• give effective, timely feedback and communicate learning progress
• share evidence and data with students and the learning community
• partner with students to develop learning targets
• support students to know where they are in relation to the criteria and select appropriate tools and strategies to move forward
• support students understanding and development of assessment capability through modelling
• build students’ self-efficacy through intrinsic motivation strategies and create a learning climate where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities

Assessment capable learning community:

We understand the importance of having regular and open communication with our learning community to support success for every child. To enable an assessment capable learning community we will;

• explain our beliefs and values about assessment through meetings, and written communication
• ensure the community are aware of the benefit mistake making has in the process of assessment
• provide regular opportunities throughout the year for members of the learning community to have face to face meetings with their child and the teacher
• provide written reports on a regular basis throughout the year
• obtain feedback from our learning community regarding the reporting process

Dimensions of Assessment

The purpose of assessment is to inform the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community so that students can answer the questions: Where am I going? How am I going? Where to next? This can only be achieved if practitioners and students work collaboratively together to monitor, document, measure and report on learning. Documenting and reporting are combined dimensions to reflect our practice.

These definitions, tools and strategies provide clarity regarding implementation of the four dimensions of assessment, examples of tools and strategies used across KJS for each dimension as well as department expectations for each dimension.

Year Group Expectations

Staff at KJS will be supported and encouraged to continually access evidence based tools and strategies in order to enhance assessment practices.

Language Policy

Philosophy

At KJS, language is central to learning, thinking and communicating. It is integral to exploring  and sustaining personal development, cultural identity and intercultural understanding. In line with our mission, vision and values, we believe the language children learn and use helps establish their identity and their concept of international mindedness. This policy outlines our core beliefs and practices which permeate through the teaching and learning of Language in four key areas:

• English Language
• Chinese Language
• English as an Additional Language
• Home Language

Language permeates the whole curriculum and transcends individual subject disciplines. Language is not learnt independently of meaning and function. Therefore, students need to be provided with different purposes,  situations and audiences within real and meaningful contexts for the development of language. The teaching of and about language involves Oral, Visual and Written Strands in an interrelated and meaningful way.

KJS advocates the learning of language through inquiry, allowing students to make connections with context, to explore and investigate. The learning of any language is developmental by nature, building constructively on what each individual student knows to help move them forward.

Through the Programme of Inquiry and the English Schools Foundation Scope and Sequence documentation we ensure that our children will be effective, reflective communicators with an open-minded view of the cultural identity of others.

All teaching staff are responsible for language development, which is achieved by learning language, learning through language and learning about language.

English Language

English is the language of instruction at Kowloon Junior School. We recognise that our school community is diverse and our children come from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of English language experiences. The children are supported in their learning through differentiated instruction based on their individual needs across the subjects and throughout a transdisciplinary programme of inquiry.

Progress across the phases is tracked developmentally  through PYP language continuums and ESF Scope and Sequence documentation.

(For details of expectations please see English Literacy Expectations) (will be a live link when ratified)

Organisation

A whole language inquiry-based approach to learning is incorporated throughout the curriculum. Learning is planned according to the three strands identified in the IB’s Language Scope and Sequence

• Oral language – Listening and Speaking
• Visual language – Viewing and Presenting
• Written language – Reading and Writing

Chinese Language

We recognise that Chinese is the second language of our school and the language of our host country. We are committed to children achieving success in Chinese.

Throughout their schooling, children are provided with learning opportunities appropriate to their needs and background in learning Chinese. Following the ESF wide outcome-based multi-pathway curriculum, our children are catered for in different groups and pathways which start from year 3. Placement of children in one of the Pathways (currently three: Foreign, Near and Second Language) is determined by ongoing assessments each year with fluid allocation depending on capability and competencies.

The three language Strands (Oral, Visual and Written) are taught through purposeful and engaging activities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL learners are those who are learning in a language other than their Home Language.

We recognise that communication is the basis of language acquisition. EAL children are simultaneously learning to use English whilst learning curriculum content through the medium of English. As a result, meaningful, useful communication in a safe, stimulating, language-rich, learner-centred environment provides the foundation of EAL teaching and learning. This approach within a PYP context engenders confidence, facilitating successful language acquisition.

It is our intent to provide EAL learners the opportunity to succeed at KJS by creating a learning environment that encourages student pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage. This environment provides the cognitive and affective support to help them become contributing members of the global community.

Home Language

Our school community encompasses a range of cultures, beliefs and languages spoken. Language is intrinsically linked to culture and we value our children’s languages to affirm their cultural identities. Through the Programme of Inquiry, children are given opportunities to share their own cultures and language and to become internationally minded, appreciating and actively seeking to learn about others.

The school recognises that language is essential for negotiating new meanings and deepening the understanding of concepts, thus supporting our students in becoming effective communicators in all their languages. Children will be encouraged to make connections between English, Chinese and their Home Language, by translating key vocabulary and discussing concepts, attitudes, skills and content. Adults within our school community will be used, where possible, to assist with translations and to promote a deeper understanding through discussions about learning in their Home Language.

1st draft Sept 2nd 2019

2nd Draft 19th November – Advocacy Group

Staff review 19th November – 9th December 2019

Policy approved March 2020

KJS POI 2020-2021 (PDF)

At Kowloon Junior School, all teachers are language teachers as language transcends curriculum areas. Language is the cornerstone for effective communication, a way to express, convey, explore, expand and reinforce the learner’s ideas, concepts, perspectives and culture: it supports and enhances each individual’s ability to develop and reach their potential to be life-long learners. We believe that the development in language is best when learning language, learning about language and learning through language.

As an IB school, we believe that language is central to all learning, through an inquiry based approach, in a meaningful, authentic context.  We provide a range of purposes, situations and audiences for language development.  Through a transdisciplinary approach we aim to develop confident, curious, highly proficient and enthusiastic readers, writers, viewers, presenters, speakers and listeners.

In line with our mission, vision and values, we believe that every student has an individual set of experiences, skills and interests, which must be considered in the teaching and learning process, the language that children learn and use helps them to establish their identity, intercultural awareness, and global citizenship and thus support the concept of international mindedness.

This policy outlines our core beliefs and practices which permeate the teaching and learning of Language in four key areas:

• English Language
• Mandarin Language
• English as an Additional Language
• Mother Tongue

Aims:    At KJS the children will:

• develop the necessary skills to use language socially and academically
• speak clearly, fluently and accurately
• listen to the oral language attentively with understanding
• present and respond effectively to visual texts and performances
• read a range of texts fluently with understanding, both for enjoyment and for information
• write effectively for a wide range of audiences and purposes
• reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ use of language

English

English is our language of instruction. We recognise that our school community is diverse and our children come from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of English language experiences. The children are supported in their learning through differentiated instruction based on their individual needs.  A whole language inquiry-based approach to learning is incorporated throughout the curriculum. Learning is planned according to the three strands identified in the IB’s Language Scope and  Sequence.

• Oral language – Listening and Speaking
• Visual language – Viewing and Presenting
• Written language – Reading and Writing

It is our aim to ensure that all students communicate effectively in English in all aspects of school life.

Mandarin

We recognise that Chinese is the second language of our school and the language of our host country. We are committed to children achieving a high competence in Chinese. Throughout their schooling, children are provided with learning opportunities appropriate to their level of ability and background in learning Chinese. Following the ESF wide outcome-based multi-pathway curriculum, our children are catered for in different groups and pathways. The three language Strands (Oral, Visual and Written) are taught through purposeful and engaging activities. Year 1 children have three 45-minute lessons per week; Year 2 children have four 45-minute lessons: Years 3 to 6 have daily lessons. As the children progress through the programme, they learn to communicate and interact in Chinese in a natural and unrehearsed manner with their teachers, classmates and the wider community. Chinese language learning is further facilitated through the contribution of the Chinese teachers to the Programme of Inquiry. All teachers of Chinese will contribute to team teaching to promote learning through the language, professional collaboration, curriculum continuity and articulation. Children studying Chinese take an active role in their language learning. Since their participation is an integral part of each class, the children naturally take ownership of this language, which they are then able to use. Opportunities are provided so that students may enhance the communication and social skills, which are essential in their daily lives.

English as an additional Language

An EAL learner at KJS is one who has a least one parent whose first language is not English.  It is likely that the parent will either use their first language with the child or converse in it with other members of the family.

We recognise that communication is the basis of language acquisition and believe that we need to ensure that EAL students and all languages are celebrated and supported. EAL children are simultaneously learning to use English whilst learning curriculum content through the medium of English. As a result, meaningful, useful communication in a safe, stimulating, language-rich, learner-centred environment, and effective teacher pedagogy provides the foundation of EAL teaching and learning. This approach within a PYP context engenders confidence, facilitating successful language acquisition, building upon what the children already know. Our purpose is to nurture and to encourage EAL learners to achieve their highest potential and to value their multi-lingual and multi-cultural backgrounds.

Mother Tongue

At KJS we believe that children should have the opportunity to maintain and develop their mother tongue(s).  Mother tongue is the culture that an individual identifies with as their culture of origin and is often the language that is used at home. Mother tongue development is necessary for cultural identity and cognitive development. Therefore we support the mother tongue of each student to participate more effectively in the global community.

Teachers at KJS:

• Encourage children to use their Mother Tongue in school and at home.
• Try to place children in classes with other children who speak the same languages they do whenever possible.
• Encourage parents to talk, read and write with their children in their mother tongue
• Develop the school library contains numerous books in a variety of languages
• Encourage students to share their learning and progress with their parents in their mother tongue.

At Kowloon Junior School we aim to nurture able, confident mathematicians who embrace and enjoy inquiring into all five strands of our programme:

Data handling

Data handling allows us to make a summary of what we know about the world and to make inferences about what we do not know.

• Data can be recorded, organized, represented and summarized in a variety of ways to highlight similarities, differences and trends; the chosen format should illustrate the information without bias or distortion.
• Probability can be expressed qualitatively by using terms such as “unlikely”, “certain” or “impossible”. It can be expressed quantitatively on a numerical scale.

Measurement

To measure is to attach a number to a quantity using a chosen unit. Since the attributes being measured are continuous, ways must be found to deal with quantities that fall between numbers. It is important to know how accurate a measurement needs to be or can ever be.

Shape and space

The regions, paths and boundaries of natural space can be described by shape. An understanding of the interrelationships of shape allows us to interpret, understand and appreciate our two and three-dimensional world.

Pattern and function

To identify pattern is to begin to understand how mathematics applies to the world in which we live. The repetitive features of patterns can be identified and described as generalized rules called “functions”. This builds a foundation for the later study of algebra.

Number

Our number system is a language for describing quantities and the relationships between quantities. For example, the value attributed to a digit depends on its place within a base system. Numbers are used to interpret information, make decisions and solve problems. For example, the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are related to one another and are used to process information in order to solve problems. The degree of precision needed in calculating depends on how the result will be used.

At KJS students have five hours a week of maths, either embedded within Units of Inquiry or as stand alone lessons.  Students are taught to explain their ideas, theories and results, both orally and in writing in order to invite constructive feedback and lay out alternative models of thinking for the classs.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 85 Mathematics in the Primary Years Programme

In the PYP, science is viewed as the exploration of the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the natural world, and the relationships between them. Our understanding of science is constantly changing and evolving. The inclusion of science within the PYP leads learners to an appreciation and awareness of the world as it is viewed from a scientific perspective. It encourages curiosity and ingenuity and enables the student to develop an understanding of the world. Reflection on scientific knowledge also helps students to develop a sense of responsibility regarding the impact of their actions on themselves, others and their world. Inquiry is central to scientific investigation and understanding. Students actively construct and challenge their understanding of the world around them by combining scientific knowledge with reasoning and thinking skills. Scientific knowledge is made relevant through its innumerable applications in the real world. The science process, by encouraging hands-on experience and inquiry, enables the individual to make informed and responsible decisions, not only in science but also in other areas of life.

During their six years at KJS, students will study science through the following strands:

Living things

The study of the characteristics, systems and behaviours of humans and other animals, and of plants; the interactions and relationships between and among them, and with their environment.

Earth and space

The study of planet Earth and its position in the universe, particularly itsrelationship with the sun; the natural phenomena and systems that shape the planet and the distinctive features that identify it; the infinite and finite resources of the planet.

Materials and matter

The study of the properties, behaviours and uses of materials, both natural and human-made; the origins of human-made materials and how they are manipulated to suit a purpose.

Forces and energy

The study of energy, its origins, storage and transfer, and the work it can do; the study of forces; the application of scientific understanding through inventions and machines.

The science component of the curriculum also provides opportunities for students to:

• observe carefully in order to gather data • use a variety of instruments and tools to measure data accurately
• use scientific vocabulary to explain their observations and experiences
• identify or generate a question or problem to be explored
• plan and carry out systematic investigations, manipulating variables as necessary
• make and test predictions
• interpret and evaluate data gathered in order to draw conclusions
• consider scientific models and applications of these models (including their limitations).

Taken from:   Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education

In the PYP, social studies is viewed as the study of people in relation to their past, their present and their future, their environment and their society. Social studies encourages curiosity and develops an understanding of a rapidly changing world. Through social studies, students develop an understanding of their personal and cultural identities. They develop the skills and knowledge needed to participate actively in their classroom, their school, their community and the world: to understand themselves in relation to their communities. The aim of social studies within the PYP is to promote intercultural understanding and respect for individuals and their values and traditions. In support of the IB mission statement, the social studies component of the PYP curriculum will encourage students to “understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right”. Therefore, there is a strong emphasis on the reduction of prejudice and discrimination within the classroom, the school, the community and the world. The IB learner profile is integral to teaching and learning social studies in the PYP because it represents the qualities of effective learners and internationally minded students. The learner profile, together with the five essential elements of the programme knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action—informs planning, teaching and assessing in social studies. Social studies learning guides students towards a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and of their place in an increasingly global society. It provides opportunities for students to look at and think about human behaviour and activity realistically, objectively, and with sensitivity. Exposure to and experience with social studies therefore opens doors to key questions about life and learning. Evidence of student learning will be apparent in their willingness and ability to take action in order to make a difference in the world.

Learning that allows for a variety of learning styles and language levels is planned, encouraging students to ask and answer their own questions. Through their interaction with the resources and dialogue with each other, students consider different points of view, develop skills and attitudes, and gain knowledge and conceptual understanding. Students apply skills and concepts in new contexts, and transfer new skills and concepts to familiar contexts. The social studies component of the curriculum provides opportunities for students to:

• learn how to ask compelling and relevant questions that can be researched
• gain a secure understanding of their own identity and their place in the world
• develop an understanding of other cultural groups and an appreciation of other ideas and beliefs
• gain knowledge that is of genuine importance in understanding the human condition through the exploration of themes that have significance for all students in all cultures
• gain conceptual understanding through participating in learning experiences that foster sensitivity, creativity and initiative, leading to socially responsible action
• gain a sense of time and place in relation to their own experience and the experience of other people
• gain an understanding of humankind’s role in, and dependence on, the natural and constructed world, and learn to apply this knowledge in responsible ways.

As a result of their learning, students share with each other and take action.

Taken from:   Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education

Personal, Social, Physical Education is an integral part of students’ everyday life at school and at home. It is an essential part of the curriculum and, as students engage with it across and between the subject areas, they come to a deeper understanding of its relevance and applicability to their everyday lives. Appropriate attitudes and behaviours are also modelled within the school and the school community.

At KJS students have two designated lessons of Physical Education a week, using the gymnasium, hall or playground. We believe that physical education is more than just student participation in sports and games. Its purpose should be to develop a combination of transferrable skills promoting physical, intellectual, emotional and social development; to encourage present and future choices that contribute to long term healthy living; and to understand the cultural significance of physical activities for individuals and communities. As such aspects of PSPE permeate our Programme of Inquiry.

Taken from:   Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education

The arts component of the curriculum provides opportunities for students to:

• develop proficiency as dancers, actors, musicians and visual artists
• acquire audience skills such as listening and viewing responsively
• interpret and present their own or others’ works to a range of audiences
• evaluate the different roles of artists in society such as to entertain, provoke debate or challenge views and perceptions
• create and critique choreographed performance, plays, compositions and artwork using a selection of tools and techniques
• express feelings, ideas, experiences and beliefs in a variety of ways
• improve coordination, flexibility, agility, strength and fine motor skills.

There are two common strands in all areas of the arts – creating and responding:

Responding

The process of responding provides students with opportunities to respond to their own and other artists’ works and processes, and in so doing develop the skills of critical analysis, interpretation, evaluation, reflection and communication. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, methods and elements of dance, drama, music and visual arts, including using specialized language. Students consider their own and other artists’ works in context and from different perspectives in order to construct meaning and inform their own future works and processes. The responding strand is not simply about reflecting; responding may include creative acts and encompasses presenting, sharing and communicating one’s own understanding. By responding to their own artwork and that of others, students become more mindful of their own artistic development and the role that arts play in the world around them.

Creating

The process of creating provides students with opportunities to communicate distinctive forms of meaning, develop their technical skills, take creative risks, solve problems and visualize consequences. Students are encouraged to draw on their imagination, experiences and knowledge of materials and processes as starting points for creative exploration. They can make connections between their work and that of other artists to inform their thinking and to provide inspiration. Both independently and collaboratively, students participate in creative processes through which they can communicate ideas and express feelings. The creating strand provides opportunities for students to explore their personal interests, beliefs and values and to engage in a personal artistic journey

Taken from:   Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education

At KJS we meet with parents throughout the year and also provide a range of written and digital reports and portfolios to evidence learning, progress and achievement.

The reporting and partnership cycle:

• September .             “You tell us” meeting
• November:                Three Way Learning Conference
• January:                      Mid year written report
• March/ April:              Student Led Conference
• June:                             End of year written report
• Throughout the year:  Written reports regarding Units of Inquiry
• Learning Showcase:  At specific times throughout the year (Living Museum, Market Day, PYPX etc)

Additionally each year level has a special Unit of Inquiry where parents are invited into school to see children’s learning in action.

Details of each process:

“You tell us” conferences  

.

Home Learning Guidelines

Home learning gives opportunity for children to develop their love of learning and is a partnership between home and school to support ‘Success for Every Child,’ at KJS as expressed in the AAROW’s of Success.

KJS Home learning is research and evidenced informed (see below). Home learning will consist of daily reading and learning experiences children choose to pursue at home. No additional homework will be provided. Parents can support success for every child by:

• Supporting children to read daily at home, read to and with their children.
• Reading the fortnightly Curriculum Updates to gain an oversight of the classroom learning experiences to create meaningful and authentic connections at home which can provide basis for conversations and family experiences to support learning
• Engaging with each child’s personal learning targets and supporting reflection on these and connection in real world contexts of the home and community
• Actively engaging in the Welcome Meeting, Three Way Learning Conference, and Student led Conferences to support their child’s learning
• Supporting their child if the child seeks to pursue their inquiries and learning at home
• Giving children time to play, relax, rest and sufficient sleep for brain and body growth
• Engaging children in the arts and sports to support their wellbeing, relationships and achievement

Evidence

Research and evidence indicate:

• Traditional homework (worksheets, projects, completing additional work from the school day, spelling lists, maths worksheets) has minimal benefit for primary aged children and often creates stress in the home leaving children feeling overworked, and confused
• Daily homework has not been linked to improved work habits for students
• Revision and drills in primary school aged children has no benefit to their learning (these can be beneficial in secondary schooling)
• Children benefit from reading at home, this includes being read to, reading with others and reading alone
• Children benefit from play, engaging in sports and the arts and other hands on experiences
• Many KJS students are already enrolled by their parents in after school tuition and learning experiences, additional homework has the potential to overwhelm them
• Some parents choose to access revision activities and workbooks for their children, while this is not recommended by the school it is accepted parents may decide to make these choices for a variety of reasons
• Tuition and after school classes can cause some confusion for KJS students when the delivery of instruction and content is significantly different from that provided during the school day.
• Additional work for children who are struggling with an aspect of their learning is not an effective learning strategy (more of the same is a punishment not a solution) rather home and school engaging in meaningful dialogue and agreeing on effective strategies is more beneficial

Research investigated to support the KJS Home learning Guidelines:

Falch, T., & Rønning, M. (2012). Homework assignment and student achievement in OECD countries(Discussion Papers, 771). Oslo, Norway: Statistics Norway Research Department.

Farrell, A., & Danby, S. (2015). How Does Homework “Work” for Young Children? Children’s Accounts of Homework in Their Everyday Lives. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 36(2), 250-269.

Hattie, J. (2009) Visible Learning: A Synthesis of over 800 meta-analysis relating to achievement. London and New York: Routledge

Hattie, J, Masters, D., Birch, K. (2016) Visible Learning into Action: International Case Studies of Impact. London and New York: Routledge

Jianzhong, X. (2013). Homework and Academic Achievement. In ‘International Guide to student Achievement’ (p. 199-201) J Hattie & E M Anderman, Eds.  London and New York: Routledge

Kohn, A. (2006) The Homework Myth: Why our kids get too much of a bad thing. Philadelphia: Da Capo Press

Robinson, K. (2009). The Element, Finding how you passion changes everything. Victoria, Australia: Penguin

The Endowment Education Foundation: Evidence for Learning. (2018). Homework Primary. Retrieved from: http://evidenceforlearning.org.au/toolkit/homework-primary/