Assessment and evaluation at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School are based on the provincial curriculum expectations, as outlined in "Program Planning and Assessment" and the curriculum policy document for each discipline.

The Final Grade

The final grade in each course is determined as follows:

Achievement Levels

In the academic year 2002-2003, teachers may evaluate according to Achievement Levels. These appear on students' work as 1, 2, 3, or 4 and correlate to percentages as follows:

• It is the student's responsibility to address missed, late or incomplete assignments.
• It is the responsibility of the student to complete sufficient materials for evaluation.
• It is expected that students complete assignments in a timely fashion.
• Should a student NOT complete an assignment, an "INCOMPLETE" will be assigned. Over twenty-five per cent (25%) of 'incompletes' results in NO CREDIT in the course.
• If a student is unable to meet an evaluation deadline, it is the student's duty to discuss alternative arrangements with his/her teacher.
• Students are not be permitted to submit an incomplete item once the teacher has marked and returned the work to the class.

Examinations

Examinations are major, formal assessments which take place at the end of a course. The final examination may be given during formal examination days in the last few days of a course, or in combination with other formal assignments at semester's end.

Unit Evaluations

Courses are divided into units. At the end of most units, evaluation takes place. Some examples of unit evaluations are tests, projects, essays, presentations, quizzes, seminars and portfolios.

Assignments

Late Penalty - 10% per day
Not Done - Zero (0) Mark after 5 days
Incomplete or Poorly Done - No Re-Writes
Cheating or Plagiarism - Zero (0)

Please Note

An assignment submitted for evaluation in one course may not be submitted for evaluation in another course. In some instances, the above penalties may not be assigned due to extenuating circumstances. The school regards attendance and punctuality to be an essential component of a course. Where a student does not attend regularly and punctually, such a student may either lose marks and/or fail to achieve credit for the course (O.S.I.S. 7.3, p.35). Students must be in full uniform while in school. Failure to comply with the rules around the school uniform results in a loss of marks. Further consequences may be applied for persistent violations. Students are expected to be self-disciplined. Inappropriate behaviour in a learning environment may result in a loss of marks. Further consequences may be applied.

Missed Tests

• Students are expected to be present for every test.
• Tests are announced approximately one week in advance.
• It is the student's responsibility for the make-up of a missed test with his or her teacher, even if the absence is due to a school related activity.
• In the case of a one-day absence or a school activity, the student writes the missed test on the first day following the absence.
• For tests missed due to prolonged, excusable absence, the evaluation is up to the discretion of the teacher.
• If a student misses a test, then a mark of zero (0) is recorded until one of the options listed above is fulfilled.
• Tests missed due to a suspension or because of skipping receive a mark of zero (0).

Missed Oral Presentations

• It is expected that all students are present for all oral presentations. Due dates are assigned well before the presentation date. Students are expected to notify the teacher immediately in the event of a conflict. Outside appointments should be re-scheduled, if possible.
• If an illness occurs on the day of a presentation, a phone call to the teacher that morning is required in order to excuse the absence. If the call is not received by the teacher personally, a message must be left for that teacher with the office before 8:00 a.m. 'No phone call' results in a zero (0) and the group presents without the absent person. Illness or other circumstances are often unforeseen, but common courtesy to the group and the teacher is expected. A new presentation or alternative evaluation may be arranged by the teacher.
• The student must notify the teacher of school related activities which result in an absence well in advance of the event.

Homework

The staff of R.F.Hall support the assignment of homework as a means of reinforcing instruction and learning. Each teacher has different homework demands and expectations for students within his/her courses of study, but all support the importance of homework in assisting a student's educational progress.

• reinforces materials presented in the classroom, supplementing and building on classroom experience;
• provides readiness for learning by providing background knowledge;
• provides follow-up to classroom activities;
• provides students with activities for individualized learning;
• is an evaluative tool which often falls under work and study habits;

Homework should be approximately,

• 1.5 hours of work in Grade 9 each school night
• 2 hours of work in Grade 10 each school night.
• 3 hours of work in Grades 11 - 12 each school night.

Students are expected to complete homework assignments on time. Teachers are expected to assign meaningful homework.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to provide the student with an environment which promotes good study habits and which enriches the student's learning through their support and encouragement.

Independent Study

As part of the many courses of study, students may be required to complete independent learning modules. These may take the form of research essays, formal presentations, case studies, independent research, project work and seminars.

Evaulation Policy Exception

There may be exceptions to the Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School Evaluation Policy. Recommendations made at an IPRC for students deemed exceptional would be an example of such an exception.