Homework

Homework is most commonly given so that students will review, reinforce and consolidate material introduced in class. Junior students should spend from 1 to 2 ½ hours per night on homework, and 2 ½ to 3 hours per night at the senior level.

Students who are absent are responsible for homework that has been assigned. For example, a student absent for a field trip should arrange that a classmate collect handouts, etc. so that the student is prepared for the next class. Students who are away from school for an extended period of time should contact the school to find out about work missed and make arrangements for work to be sent home. Homework is assessed as part of Learning Skills for the report card.

Tests and Assignments

Tests and major assignments demand studying above and beyond the regular homework. Efforts are made to assist students to distribute their workloads; teachers are available for consultation and extra help; advance warning is always given for major tests and assignments. ISU dates are published in this agenda to assist Grade 12 students with workload and time management.

The NT policy is that there should be no tests or assignments for a period of five school days prior to the beginning of exams. The intent of this policy is to allow concentration on exam preparation outside of class time and the completion of curriculum in class. Regular homework may continue to be assigned, and assignments may be given out, worked on and submitted during a single class, and may be evaluated for marks.

Absence for Scheduled Tests/Presentations

Students are expected to be present in class for all scheduled tests, presentations, and assignment due dates. Failure to follow the established procedures for attendance will result in a mark of zero on tests, and assignments will not be accepted after marked ones have been returned. Procedures:

• Absent for assignment- student presents assignment directly to the teacher with note signed by the office the first day back at school
• Absent for test due to emergency- parent (or student if over 18) informs the office before the test and provides a legitimate note the day the student returns; student should see the teacher before school to discuss the absence
• Absent for group presentation due to emergency - student contacts group before presentation, and parent (or student if over 18) contacts office before the due date
• Absent for field trips/athletic competitions - student notifies teachers in advance; student is provided with an official excusal notice to be presented to subject teacher after the event

Late Assignments

• Major assignments must have at least two weeks notice and, in setting the due date, teachers must try to ensure that students are not already pressed for time with competing major assignments.
• A reasonable extension may be granted if, prior to the due date, the student and teacher negotiate a new submission date. The negotiated date must be recorded on the "Date Deferral Notice" and this notice must be submitted with the assignment.
• If a student does not submit the assignment on the due date and has not taken the responsibility to negotiate a deferred date, the teacher will determine the course of action (may be a mark of zero).
• Major independent research projects which are published in the Student Agenda Book have a fixed due date. The assignment (or any work completed) must be submitted for evaluation on this date.
• Serious extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is copying another student's work or copying a printed or electronic source or using sources such as Coles Notes without providing documentation. Recycling your own work may also be considered plagiarism. Students who plagiarize on a test or assignment will receive an automatic zero, an ethics discussion with an administrator, and a formal one-day suspension for the first occurrence. Avoid plagiarism by citing all sources. Refer to "Formatting a Polished Paper" on page 16 of this student agenda.

Concerns about the Marks on a Test or Assignment

In order to ensure that students clearly understand any test/assignment expectation, all students are encouraged to speak with their teachers before the due date. If there are concerns about assessments and/or evaluations after work is returned, the student is first to speak with his or her teacher directly, requesting help, information, correction or clarification. If further discussion is desired, a meeting will be arranged among the student, the teacher and the curriculum leader of the subject.

Written and Oral Examinations and Summative Evaluations

There are two sets of term examinations at North Toronto. The first term examinations take place in December; the second term examinations take place in June. A timetable of examinations is provided for each student several weeks before each set of examinations begins. This timetable is an important document which should be read with care and shared with parents. Students should plan to arrive at school at least 20 minutes before an examination is scheduled to begin. A student who arrives late for an examination will be admitted up to 40 minutes after it begins, but will receive no extra time. No student will be admitted if more than 40 minutes late.

If a student in any grade must miss a summative evaluation/examination because of illness, he or she should inform the Vice-Principals' Office by telephone at the time of the summative evaluation/examination. A doctor's note must be submitted to the VPO within 48 hours of the missed examination. The note must state that the student was too ill to write the exam. The VPO will deal with these occurrences based on individual circumstances. Failure to write an examination for any other reason will result in a mark of zero. All of these rules also apply to summative and oral evaluations.

Cheating

Cheating on a test or examination is a serious offence, which will result in the automatic loss of all marks for the test or examination, and possible suspension.

Reports

Each set of examinations is followed by a report to parents: the first term report goes out in February; the second term report is mailed at the end of June. In addition, there are interim reports in November and April. After the first interim report, parents may meet with teachers for five-minute interviews in the afternoon or evening session to discuss their son or daughter's progress.

Students who do not drop a senior course within five days of the November report card being issued will receive a mark in any course they are registered. These marks will appear on their transcripts.