FAQS+-+INFORMATION

=COURSE OUTLINE=

Every course in science provides the student with a course outline - a document that contains a wealth of information. You may find samples of these course outlines if you visit my RESOURCES webpage. In a nutshell, each outline contains not only a description of the course and the units of study but it also contains the following standard information:

ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION & REPORTING:
 * Assessment & evaluation will be based on the provincial curriculum expectations & achievement levels.
 * On the report card, a percentage grade is used to represent the quality of your overall achievement of ministry expectations & reflects the corresponding level of achievement in that course. Level 3 (70 -79%) is the provincial standard.
 * Each unit of study will include assessment for learning (diagnostic), assessment as learning (formative), & assessment of learning (summative) activities.

EVALUATION:
 * Term Work 70 %
 * Final Evaluation 30 %

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION & ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
 * Refer to PECI’s Academic Policies document.

> //NOTE: To earn this credit not only must you complete & submit all summative assessments, but you must also ensure the summative assessments are of a quality that demonstrates a sufficient understanding of ministry expectations.//

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR & DRESS:
 * PECI’s Code of Conduct will form the basis for expected student behaviour/dress at all times not only in the classrooms & hallways of PECI, but during any field trips, sporting events or other such activities associated with PECI!

ATTENDANCE: > Attendance at PECI is taken very seriously.
 * Your parent/guardian cannot excuse you from class to wander the school, loiter in the cafeteria, nor to work on a late assignment in the library. If you are at school you are to be in class - otherwise you are truant.
 * If you are absent from class for any reason (especially prolonged absences) it is your responsibility to speak with your teacher ASAP to find out what you missed & if necessary make arrangements to complete any missed assessments.
 * All absences must be explained ASAP through a written/verbal report from your parent/guardian otherwise truant is assumed.
 * Persistent lates/absences will be reported to administration & your parent/guardian.
 * Since mistakes sometimes happen it is imperative that you monitor your own attendance & promptly deal with any mistakes.

GENERAL INFORMATION: > **Formative Tasks** (homework, labs, assignments, quizzes, ...)
 * While these tasks are formative in nature they are just as important as the summative tasks listed below because they provide you with ample opportunities to not only practice but improve your level of understanding of the course material including scientific investigation skills, work habits & learning skills. In some cases they are also used to earn bonus marks towards your summative assessments. Thus, it is important for you to practice/complete these tasks on a regular basis & within the time frame suggested!

> **Summative Tasks** (tests, projects, lab reports, ...)
 * These tasks MUST be written/submitted on the date assigned otherwise they will have an impact on your ability to succeed in this course!
 * If you are unable to write/submit a task by the due date because of an extenuating circumstance you MUST speak with your teacher __prior to the due date__ (if possible) to discuss the situation and seek a possible extension. If granted you will be expected to write/submit the task at the earliest possible convenience (usually the next school day) unless alternate arrangements with the teacher have been made.
 * Extensions (& any subsequent consequences which may include a mark penalty) are given ONLY at the discretion of the teacher.
 * Tasks written/submitted past the due date without a legitimate excuse & without speaking to the teacher prior to the due date will NOT be evaluated; however, they will be used to assess your understanding of ministry expectations (see ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION & ... above). The teacher in consultation with administration will have the final decision.
 * Once assessed and reviewed with students, tests will be stored in the classroom. If you or a parent/guardian wish to view/discuss a test with the teacher an appointment can be made. However, tests must remain in the classroom, they cannot be removed!

> //NOTE: Formative/Summative tasks submitted persistently late will be reported to administration & your parent/guardian. If necessary a much more structured & closely monitored submission policy will be used.//

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

••••• BE HERE ••••• BE ON TIME ••••• BE PREPARED ••••• BE COURTEOUS ••••• BE RESPONSIBLE ••••• BE PROACTIVE •••••