School Policies

The objective of the Healthy School Policy (HSP) is to help students reach a state of physical, mental and social well-being with a focus on developing students’ healthy lifestyles, positive attitudes and values, practical life skills and refusal skills to resist temptation. There are four elements in the HSP:

1. Developing a management and organization system for health matters;
2. Fostering a healthy school environment;
3. Developing students’ healthy lifestyles; and;
4. Identification of students who may need help and putting in place a referral system.

As advised by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), schools are encouraged to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the school is free from any sexually hostile or intimidating environment and to avoid the possible vicarious liability on the employers, including developing a school policy (in written form) to eliminate sexual harassment, raising the understanding and awareness of both staff and students about sexual harassment, and setting up complaint handling mechanism to resolve sexual harassment complaints.

The EDB and the school sector share the common vision of strengthening school governance and providing quality education service. A healthy school governance culture is conducive to reducing misunderstandings and complaints.  A sound School-based Complaint Handling Mechanism can help schools get to the root of the issues and take appropriate follow-up actions, such as introducing new measures or improving the existing policies and practices to prevent similar problems from recurring.

Introduction
Homework is an essential part of the learning process, providing students with the opportunity to consolidate and extend their understanding of classroom lessons. This policy aims to outline the expectations for homework at STC, ensuring that students receive a balanced and effective approach to homework.

Purpose
The purpose of homework is to reinforce and extend the learning that takes place in the classroom. We assign homework which is meaningful, purposeful, challenging, and with clear objectives. Homework at STC also provides an opportunity for students to develop independent learning skills, such as time management, organization, and self-discipline. It further allows students:

Guidelines
Frequency and duration:
Homework will be set regularly. The duration of homework would be appropriate to the age and ability of the student, and would not exceed the following recommended times:
S1-S2: About 12 hours per cycle (2 hours per school night)
S3: About 15 hours per cycle (2.5 hours per school night)
S4- S6: About 18 hours per cycle (3 hours per school night)

Content and format:
Homework would be varied and relevant to the curriculum and would be designed to support the learning objectives of the subject. Homework may take a variety of forms, including written assignments, research tasks, reading, revision, and practical tasks. Guidelines on assigning homework:

• the level of challenge would match what students are capable of doing
• the quantity and nature of the homework would not interfere unreasonably with the students’ leisure time and extra-curricular activities

Teachers would keep in mind that they should:

• provide clear and constructive feedback that includes commendation of students’ effort and strengths, as well as steps or strategies for further improvement
• make clear to students their instructions and expectations in order to complete the homework
• give reasonable and clear deadlines
• not assign homework as punishment if there is no relevance to the lesson or topic being learnt
• not necessarily assign extra work merely because holidays are longer
• take into account deadlines of projects of other subjects and compromise on a reasonable deadline

Also note:
Deadlines
Homework would be set with clear deadlines, and students would be informed of the expected completion date. Late homework will be accepted, unless specified, but penalties may be imposed for work submitted after the deadline. Students may also receive a ‘Bad Habit’ mark for late submission of assignments.

Feedback
Teachers will provide regular feedback on homework and will use this feedback to inform their planning and teaching. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on their homework and use feedback to improve their work.

Support
Students who require additional support with homework should speak to their teacher, who will provide guidance and support. Students may also set up additional study groups to support each other. They may also use the school library to complete homework as it provides a quiet and supportive environment for homework completion.

Plagiarism and the use of ChatGPT or other tools driven by AI technology
The School understands that tools like ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms can be used for educational purposes. This could include research work or learning more about a particular subject. However, misuse, especially to pass off work that is not the student’s own work as their own, cheating, or plagiarism of any form, would result in serious consequences, and would be subject to disciplinary action. Students should ensure that all work submitted is their own, and that they have acknowledged any sources used.

Guidelines on non-completion of homework

Conclusion:
Homework is an integral part of the learning process, and it is essential that students approach it with a positive and committed attitude. This policy aims to ensure that homework is set with clear objectives, is relevant and meaningful, and provides students with the opportunity to develop independent learning skills. By working together, teachers, parents, and students can ensure that homework is a positive and productive experience.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. Safeguarding national security is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR. This is also the common responsibility of all Hong Kong residents.

STC has established a dedicated National Security Education Committee, comprising members from various areas of expertise, to oversee the coordination and implementation of measures related to national security education. Embracing a comprehensive approach, the committee actively promotes both national and moral education, ensuring students have a deep understanding of the rule of law and the importance of national security, while fostering a strong sense of national identity.

The STC National Security Education Committee’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including student leadership training, discipline and guidance support, and fostering home-school cooperation. Additionally, the committee actively engages in staff training initiatives to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively deliver national security education.

By consolidating efforts across the school, the National Security Education Committee plays a pivotal role in creating an environment where students can thrive academically, while also instilling in them a profound understanding of our country’s history, culture, and latest developments, as well as the Constitution and the Basic Law.

What Parents Need to Know – Helping your Children Understand National Security through Enhanced Home-School Co-operation:

English Leaflet
中文小冊子