Academic Study & Homework

Homework, or prep time, is an important element of the daily routine for Guildford Grammar School boarders. The aim is to provide an environment that allows each boarder to work unhindered and uninterrupted but with support where required. Prep times are incrementally increased for each year group and study areas and activities are tailored to meet the needs of our boarders. It is hoped that boarders will develop positive study habits, complementing the supervised prep time with independent learning.

All boarders undertake supervised prep in the Boarding House or in the library, under the supervision of boarding staff and/or a teacher or librarian.

Supervised Prep Times:

Year 7 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Year 8 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Year 9 – 10 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Year 11 – 12 6.30pm – 8.30pm with optional extra time

During prep, boarders have access to computers for research and the completion of assignments. Please refer to the student diary for more detailed information on recommendations for study and homework. Boarders should read the guidelines in the student diary regarding plagiarism. Parents are asked not to contact their child during prep time. Please do not place your child in the position where they will have their phone confiscated if using it during prep. If you need to contact your child in an emergency, please do this via the duty staff on mobile 0457 101 569/0457 101 576.

Year 7 and 8 – Academic Study or “Prep” Schedule

Year 7
6.00-7.00pm Library – Prep
7.00pm Reading
7.10pm Journalling
7.20pm Revision notes
7.30pm Finish

Year 8
6.30pm Reading
6.40pm Journalling
6:.50pm Revision notes
7.00pm Library – Prep
8.00pm Finish

+ Prep takes place in the Library for Year 7/8
* Independent Study Time = in Malcolm/Burt Hall
Each cohort will be split into three groups. Each group (of around 8/9 students) will be supported by an academic tutor. A Year Coordinator will always be present to oversee the smooth running of prep.

Silent reading

With the support of their English teacher and school librarians, boarders will be allocated a piece of fiction and/or non fiction to read that suits their interests based on the reading survey they completed at the beginning of the year.

Journalling

On Monday nights, boarders write a reflection on a community based activity they participated in (weekend recreation, sport).
On Tuesday nights, boarders write a personal reflection that may take the form of a journal entry, or a postcard/letter home.
On Wednesday nights, boarders write about what have learned over the past week and/or what they are excited about.

Revision notes

On Week A, academic tutors will teach boarders a revision strategy such as the Cornell note-taking Method, Outline Method and Mapping Method.
On Week B, academic tutors will check in and ensure they have attempted to use one of the strategies.
Boarders in Year 7 and 8 are given a mark out of 10 by the academic tutor each night for each of three strategies. Boarders who receive consistently poor results may have to attend a study catch up session on Tuesday afternoons in the New Boarding House from 4.00-4.45pm. There will be regular rewards for boarders who receive consistently high results.

Organisation

Our expectations are that boarders arrive “Ready to Learn”. We require our Year 7s and 8s to arrive punctually at the Library with the following items:

• Student diary
• Novel
• Exercise books
• Pencil case
• Charged laptop
• Revision/Can Do lists
• Calculator
• Headphones
• Attitude

Our expectation is that boarders bring a positive mindset and attitude to prep. Whilst, motivation can come and go, we expect our boarders to remain disciplined and make good use of the support we provide.

Productivity

Our expectation is that boarders work independently, but are also able to seek support when required. A productive learner is engaged and focussed during prep.