Academic Regulations
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the learning process. Students commit to a study plan commensurate with their grade level. Grade 12 students are encouraged to complete three hours of homework each day so that they will gain admission to university and inculcate the time management skills needed to succeed.
To build up to this time commitment, we suggest that grade six and seven students study for one hour a day, grade eight students study for one and a half hours a day, grade nine and ten students study two hours a day, and grade eleven students study two and a half hours a day.
Student Evaluation Policy
If a student misses an assessment because of a school field trip, sporting event or other commitment which is known in advance, the student must inform the teacher at the earliest possible date in order to make alternative arrangements.
In the event of an unforeseen absence e.g. illness, the onus is on the student to provide a note from home or the health centre explaining the absence. The student must speak with the teacher to make alternative arrangements.
Provided the student has fulfilled her/his responsibilities as described above, the teacher will provide the student with the opportunity to complete the assessment (or a modified version thereof) as soon as possible upon his/her return.
Study Hall
If a student is not assigned to eight courses in a year, she or he will have a supervised study. Only prefects who are on "Good Standing" have the privilege of requesting the supervising teacher to allow them to work in an unsupervised setting (e.g. a boarder may ask to study in her/his room).
Course Changes
Students are encouraged to stay in the courses in which they are registered. However, course changes may be made in the first two weeks of school after consultation with the parent, advisor, subject teacher and the Director of Senior School.
Course Withdrawals
A student wishing to withdraw from a course is required to meet with the Director of Senior School. This decision must be discussed with the student, the teacher, the advisor, the parent and the University Placement Officer before the withdrawal takes effect. Until final approval is given, a student is still officially registered in the course, and is required to attend all classes.
Withdrawal from courses is generally not permitted after Thanksgiving.
Course Transfers During the Year
Students admitted once the school year has begun will be given credit for courses completed at their previous school, upon approval of the Director of Senior School.
For those withdrawing from the school, a transcript, course descriptions and the current standing attained are forwarded to the new school upon request. In addition, personal contact is made with the guidance department to explain the status of the student's program.
Academic Honesty and Malpractice
RNS abides the rules and guidelines set out by the International Baccalaureate Organization regarding academic honesty and malpractice. These rules are consistent with the established practices at RNS. The school subscribes to turnitin.com, an internet based resource dedicated to the prevention of the spread of plagiarism. This program is designed to ensure a student's submitted work is authentic. If a student chooses to be involved in any of the activities listed within the Academic Honesty and Malpractice rules and guidelines (click here to view), he/she could put his/her status as a student at RNS in jeopardy.
