Costly homework can add more pressure on parents

Dubai schools, parents welcome ministry’s ban on expensive home projects

School tuition fees, cost of books, uniforms, school shoes — all of these are already expensive enough for majority of parents in the UAE, and costly homework can add more pressure to their financial situation.

This is why the Ministry of Education banned schools all across the country from issuing homework that needs parents and students to spend money. Khaleej Times reported last month that it had obtained the circular, which asked schools to stop assigning ‘costly homework’. This notification has been issued to schools nationwide and Sharjah schools spoke out in favour of the new ban.

Now, two Dubai-based schools have spoken to Khaleej Times on their homework policies and whether they ask students to take work home that may require spending money.

Brendon Fulton, principal of Dubai British School, said that their policy is to ensure that homework and project work is an extension of learning that has been taking place in the classroom.

“As such, there is almost never the need for students to have to purchase new or additional materials over and above those which are provided to them as part of the classroom learning. In general, there are no additional costs over school fees for academic purposes. There are some exceptions to this, for example

Teachers in the school have a clear understanding that no project remit should require students and parents to be out of pocket in order to be able to successfully complete it.” Brendon Fulton, principal, Dubai British School

in GCSE and A-Level Art, where students may choose to use different types of materials. However, even in such subjects, the school provides ranges of materials that would be sufficient for the completion of any coursework and the overall qualification,” he said.

“Thus teachers in the school have a clear understanding that no project remit should require students and parents to be out of pocket in order to be able to successfully complete it.

“Again, an exception to this would be field work necessary for the ALevel Geography qualification. However these requirements are made clear to students and parents before choosing the subject. Where ‘creative’ homework is given to students — perhaps requiring them to construct something for a group or school initiative and where creativity may include them purchasing additional materials — these will never be graded and so will not have an impact on student outcomes. Thus students who are unable to spend additional money will never be disadvantaged.”

Meanwhile, another school has implemented a ‘no homework’ policy since it opened its doors to students in 2016.

Janet Foley, vice-principal of the GEMS Founders School, said the school offers virtual learning platforms to students, which does not come at an additional cost. “The school has invested in many online resources that our students can access at home. Home learning is posted on the school’s ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ to develop students’ independent learning and research skills, as well as providing opportunities for parents to further engage in their children’s learning,” she said.

“Founders uses blended learning and a ‘flipped classroom’ approach, face-to-face interaction mixed with independent study via technology. Students watch pre-recorded videos at home, they then come to

Home learning is not compulsory but we do encourage reading every day at home. We display and welcome any projects that students and parents feel they wish to undertake.” Janet Foley, vice-principal, GEMS Founders School

school armed with questions and background knowledge ready to work on their projects or assignments at school with the support of their teachers.

“That being said home learning is not compulsory but we do encourage reading every day at home. We display and welcome any projects that students and parents feel they wish to undertake as children always enjoy presenting their creations.”