When we return from the winter break, all classes will be working on culminating activities and preparing students for their final exam.

JANUARY 2023 EXAM SCHEDULE

Please be aware of the following important information:

• For ALL classes, term work constitutes 70% of the student’s final mark.
• For ALL classes, Culminating Activities & Final Exams constitute 30% of the final mark.
• Not all classes will have a final exam; however, all classes WILL have a culminating activity. For example, some classes will have students complete a number of culminating tasks that combined, are worth 30%; other classes will have a culminating activity plus a final ex-am that combined, are worth 30%.
• Culminating Activities assess the student’s consolidation of course expectations through an evaluation that is NOT a test (i.e., research projects, performance tasks, presentations, etc.) while a final exam is a test format.
• For most classes, term work will be completed approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of final exam. After this point, no new material will be taught.
• All students will be informed by their teacher what their term mark is (weighted at 70%) before exams.
• Student are expected to attend all classes as these culminating activities often take place during class time.
• Students who are ill or participating in a school-sanctioned event (such as athletics), will be provided with some flexibility from the teacher, provided there is sufficient documentation for the illness and notification to the teacher ahead of time of a scheduled game.
• Students who are absent for a final exam due to ill-ness (with a medical note) or due to bereavement may write the exam on a different day. Please contact the office and speak with an administrator.
• Student who are absent for a final exam for any other reason (including a vacation) will be given a mark of zero on the exam, as per school policy. The vacation policy was reviewed with all students at the start of the semester (all school policies and procedures are on the School App under School Information).
• During the moratorium period (Jan 19—24), teachers will ensure that there is review in class, and that review materials are provided. Students will also be given information about the format of the exam (i.e., multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the blank, long answer, definitions, etc.), as well as the main topics that will be on the exam.
• In January, teachers will also review study tips and strategies for studying. Please reassure your child that they have been preparing for this all semester. There will not be any surprises!
• During exam days (Jan. 25—Jan. 31), students only report to school for their scheduled exam. The library will not be available for study.
• The cafeteria will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00.
• All exams are either 1 hour or 1.5 hours in length.
• Students should arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the exam (start times are 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.).
• At the end of the exam time, it is expected that most students will have completed the exam and will hand it in. Additional time will be provided if some students are not able to finish all the questions.
• Exams will also include a “time manager” to assist students in understanding how much time they should be spending on each section. See sample below

• The school will reach out to those students who require accommodations beyond additional time (such as assistive technology). These accommodations will be put in place for those students provided it is outlined in the IEP and/or provided the student has required this accommodation throughout the semester.
• On February 1, students will have an opportunity to attend all semester 1 classes (Schedule to follow) to review their exams and culminating activities, and to also receive their final mark in the course.
• Please note that Math exams will include a Formula Sheet and Science exams will include a copy of the Periodic Table.

Exam Return Day/Mark Day Schedule  (February 1st):

Period 1: 1:00 - 1:30

Period 2: 1:35 - 2:05

Period 3: 2:10 - 2:40

Period 4: 2:45 - 3:15

How can parents help?

• Encourage your child to set up a schedule for studying.
• Reassure your child that there are no surprises here. The format will be similar to what they’ve been doing all semester in a given course.
• Encourage them to take regular exercise and nutrition breaks from studying.
• Suggest they put away their phone while studying (eliminate the distractions).
• Assist them in studying by suggesting they do the following:
• • Create a timeline
  • Review vocabulary
  • Repeat problem sets
  • Self-test
  • Group/Buddy studying
  • Create flashcards
  • Use study apps
  • Practice timed responses
• Use the following apps to support them in studying:
  • Mindmodo for mind mapping (creating a visual of your notes) - see example for SBI3U here
  • Quizlet for making your own cue cards
  • Read & Write for speech to text, highlighting & more (Google Extension)
  • Pomodoro Method for Time Management
• Encourage them and build their confidence.
• Value and acknowledge their effort and the importance of doing their best; avoid communicating expectations for a certain grade.