Grade DesignDetermining the course grade: The IB Exam score is derived from two components: 80% is based on the three written papers of the exam and 20% is based on the Internal Assessment score. Therefore, the course grade will be determined using the same ideas as follows:
Unit Tests will carry a weight of 60% of the course grade Practice Tests/class work/quizzes will carry a weight of 20% of the course grade Laboratory work (including the IA and Group 4 project) will carry a weight of 20% of the course grade · Homework: Practicing physics is an important part of learning. As such, homework problems from the text are assigned. These are meant to help the students internalize the concepts being studied. Homework is practice and is part of the development of physics concepts and is therefore not graded. Homework review sessions will be held after school and/or during Eagle Time. · The practice test for the unit will consist of a single “IB type” problem to be solved by the student. This problem will be due at the start of class on the day of the unit assessment. Students are encouraged to begin work on this problem during the unit and to not wait until the night before the test. Assistance will be given during Eagle Time or after school. · Late Work: Out of class assignments are designed to provide opportunities to practice prior to the unit exam. As such, students receive the greatest benefit from these assignments by completing them on time. However, it is sometimes necessary to submit work late. Chronic late work may be penalized 20% and will be accepted up until the end of the current quarter. · Retakes: Mastery of physics concepts is a goal for this course. As such, students may want/need a second chance to show mastery of content. On each unit test students are offered the opportunity to retake all or part of the test to replace their original mark provided they complete test corrections prior to the retake. Retakes must be completed within 4 weeks of the original test. Each unit exam will add two grades to the SIS gradebook – paper 1 (multiple choice) and paper 2 (free response). Students may opt to retake either part of the exam. · Remediation: Eagle Time is offered every blue day during 4th period. This is an excellent opportunity to review material, get help with assignments or complete test retakes. I am also available after school on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Final ExamsFinal Exams will not be administered to students prior to the scheduled exam day and time except as noted below:
Permission to Take a Final Exam Early: Teachers must receive requests for missing a scheduled final exam at least one week prior to the exam. The request must be in the form of a letter from the parent, and must include the reason to warrant a deferral. If approved, the student will take their final exams at the teacher’s discretion. The content administrator should be notified in the event of an early exam. If teachers deem it necessary, then arrangements can be made with their students to take their exam with an administrator after school has dismissed for the summer.
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Summative GradesAt the end of each marking period a quarter grade will be awarded. End of course grades will be based on the final level of achievement reached and a score on the final exam/project. These grades may not represent an averaged grade, but will reflect the level achieved. When determining the final course grade both a quality point grade will be determined . Grades will be determined as above.
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