How do you cope with falling behind in work when you miss school?
Shreya Jha (S5) says...
It's important that you, your guidance counsellor, and your teachers are all on the same page about your absence. Going to talk to your teachers is good, because it shows initiative, and ultimately they know the curriculum best. If you know when you'll be away, go BEFORE the trip so you can get a head start. And, if you were away for sickness or an emergency, be prepared to give up some of your spare time to catch up. Overall, communication with teachers is key.
It's important that you, your guidance counsellor, and your teachers are all on the same page about your absence. Going to talk to your teachers is good, because it shows initiative, and ultimately they know the curriculum best. If you know when you'll be away, go BEFORE the trip so you can get a head start. And, if you were away for sickness or an emergency, be prepared to give up some of your spare time to catch up. Overall, communication with teachers is key.
What is the best way to balance sports and school?
Kathy Wu (S5) says...
First of all, you have to stay on good terms with your teachers. Let them know in advance when you're missing class, be prepared to hand in assignments early or do tests early. Once I got spares, I made them all in the afternoon so I didn't miss too many important classes. Unfortunately, you'll have to be prepared to make sacrifices, such as spending less time hanging out with school friends, or going to parties, or whatever. (Personally, I think of my sport time as social time, so that doesn't bug me too much.) Make sure to talk to your parents whenever you're committing to a sport and let them know the time involved. Ensure that they know you're going to be responsible and make up for the classes that you miss (go to teacher for handouts, ask friends for notes, etc.). Finally, if you can, use every single moment possible (including between games)!
First of all, you have to stay on good terms with your teachers. Let them know in advance when you're missing class, be prepared to hand in assignments early or do tests early. Once I got spares, I made them all in the afternoon so I didn't miss too many important classes. Unfortunately, you'll have to be prepared to make sacrifices, such as spending less time hanging out with school friends, or going to parties, or whatever. (Personally, I think of my sport time as social time, so that doesn't bug me too much.) Make sure to talk to your parents whenever you're committing to a sport and let them know the time involved. Ensure that they know you're going to be responsible and make up for the classes that you miss (go to teacher for handouts, ask friends for notes, etc.). Finally, if you can, use every single moment possible (including between games)!
How do you prepare for a test?
Kathy says...
1) Go around to your teachers and friends to make sure you have all of the sheets and materials needed.
2) Create a study plan including a time line and all of the topics you need to cover.
3) Consider getting extra-help (e.g. math parties) if you're struggling with independent studying. Or study with friends if that works for you:)
4) Try not to procrastinate! Easier said than done, I know, but the test isn't as far away as you think and if you start in advance you'll likely be more psychologically prepared when the time comes.
5) Take breaks.
Daniel Yoo (S5) says...
1) It helps to be organized! Gather all of your sheets, take them out of your binder, and read them over more than once.
2) Make sure you understand all of the major concepts.
3) If there's a textbook involved, you may want to do questions from it to test yourself.
4) Revisit the homework.
5) Re-take notes.
6) Find an environment that is conducive to studying (preferably quiet!)
7) Try not to procrastinate...
Shreya says...
1) Textbook is life.
2) Make new notes.
3) Do a lot of practice questions.
1) Go around to your teachers and friends to make sure you have all of the sheets and materials needed.
2) Create a study plan including a time line and all of the topics you need to cover.
3) Consider getting extra-help (e.g. math parties) if you're struggling with independent studying. Or study with friends if that works for you:)
4) Try not to procrastinate! Easier said than done, I know, but the test isn't as far away as you think and if you start in advance you'll likely be more psychologically prepared when the time comes.
5) Take breaks.
Daniel Yoo (S5) says...
1) It helps to be organized! Gather all of your sheets, take them out of your binder, and read them over more than once.
2) Make sure you understand all of the major concepts.
3) If there's a textbook involved, you may want to do questions from it to test yourself.
4) Revisit the homework.
5) Re-take notes.
6) Find an environment that is conducive to studying (preferably quiet!)
7) Try not to procrastinate...
Shreya says...
1) Textbook is life.
2) Make new notes.
3) Do a lot of practice questions.
How much homework do you do a day?
After asking several of my friends the general trend is that most people spend an average of 3 hours a day on homework. Of course, this number varies depending on your workload and the extracurriculars you're involved in. Personally, I'm a slow worker so I spend upwards of 4 hours a day and more on weekends.
Kathy says...
As an S5, I might spend 3.5 - 5 hours on homework and studying a day. Normally, I probably spend about 1 hour of homework at school during spares and lunch. At home, I would spend around 2.5 - 4 hours on studying for school. This time would depend on my homework load at that time and whether or not I have extracurriculars on that day.
Kathy says...
As an S5, I might spend 3.5 - 5 hours on homework and studying a day. Normally, I probably spend about 1 hour of homework at school during spares and lunch. At home, I would spend around 2.5 - 4 hours on studying for school. This time would depend on my homework load at that time and whether or not I have extracurriculars on that day.
When do you do your homework?
Mostly afterschool and on weekends. I try to get work done in the morning and during spares but it usually fails.
What do you do during your spares?
How much free time do you have?
It depends on how much time you're willing to put into your work. When I get home I spend about half of my evening doing non-school related activities and the other on schoolwork, though it probably should be more. However, I prioritize my mental health over my grades so I try to spend at least an hour or two relaxing afterschool and go out with my friends at least once a week (not including during spares).