2. RATIONALE - Assignments are justifiable on educational grounds when they enhance student learning or are considered to be the most appropriate means of achieving particular educational goals. Assignment writing is a learning process.

THEY ARE ONLY ONE MEANS AMONG MANY.

THE PLACE OF ASSIGNMENTS IN THE CURRICULUM

Assignments and projects play a significant role in contemporary education. Set in accordance with the work program, they fulfil three major functions.

1. Develop specific skills such as research, summarising and synthesising.

2. Provide for individual differences.

3. Contribute to assessment.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. The Head of Middle School/Senior School will discuss this policy with students at the beginning of each year and with each new arrival to school.

2. An assignment or project should fulfil the relevant objectives.

3. The assignment load will be reasonable and balanced.

4. Adequate resources should be available.

5. Due dates for assignments will be carefully planned and timetabled by the 3rd week of each semester.

6. Students may not be permitted to participate in excursions if they haveoutstanding assignments.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Adhere to the due date.

2. Ensure that the work is your own.

3. Use the class time constructively.

4. Ask for assistance. Allow others to proofread/comment. Prepare a draft copy for your teacher.

5. Read the assignment carefully. Remember: it is the quality of your work, not the quantity nor prettiness that is important.

6. Extension to due date may be granted if exceptional circumstances exist- this may be acquired only via a request by the student / parent to the relevant Head of Department, Deputy Director. This must occur a minimum of 48 hours prior to due date.

7. Students are advised to make ongoing backup copies of their assignment as computer hard drive or software problems will not be considered a valid excuse for assignment lateness or extensions.

THE ASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS

1. Assignments completed in years 7-9 and will be used as part of the teaching/learning process. Results will be used for internal reporting to parents (end of semester reports).

2. Assignments undertaken in years 10, 11, and 12 can be used in the awarding of exit levels.

3. In order for students to fulfil the requirements of their course, assignments must be handed in. Late assignments will be corrected and feedback provided but will be recorded as a very low achievement (VLA) on student assessment profiles. This will have an adverse effect on students overall levels of achievement. Alternatively a maximum of sound achievement (SA) may be recorded on the student profile based on the standards attained at the draft submission stage.

4. When the assignment is LATE the student's assessment will be based on their inclass achievement during the writing process. A letter will be sent home informing parents of late/unsubmitted drafts and assignments.